Dr Gray's staff on shift wearing scrubs made by volunteer network
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NEARLY 600 sets of scrubs made by a local network of sewing volunteers have now reached staff at Elgin's Dr Gray's Hospital.
Formed just six weeks ago, Moray Scrubs, now a community of around 400 helpers, have been supporting health and care workers across Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands by stitching extra sets of work clothes.
The aim of the project is to help protect local communities from COVID-19 by producing scrubs that can stand a good hot wash and help with infection control.
The group was originally set up to produce scrubs for Dr Gray’s Hospital, with the first 52 sets handed over at the end of April.
Since then, the hard-working and dedicated volunteers have stitched 512 sets solely for Dr Gray’s – a phenomenal achievement for a group in which the majority of its members have never even met.
A spokeswoman for Moray Scrubs said: "We are so grateful to everyone who has given up their time to take part in the initiative which has grown rapidly. We have small teams in Moray and beyond joining together in the effort to provide scrubs needed by their local hospitals, medical practices and care homes.
"The spirit among those involved is fantastic, and the commitment from everyone across the group – from those producing the scrubs to the drivers delivering them across the region – is amazing to see.
"Our phenomenal volunteers have made and delivered a fantastic amount of scrubs to health and care workers from Skye to Rothienorman.
"The feedback we have had from hospitals, care homes and medical practices has been great, and we are all just pleased that we can do something to help our health and care workers in what is a difficult time for them.
"Working together, we are achieving phenomenal things. Together we are working to make a difference to protect our communities from COVID-19."
The group has been resourceful by mainly working with donated fabric, rather than purchasing new. They have received donations from local businesses and individuals, which is being used for tools, postage, printing and some fabric.
The spokeswoman added: "We will continue to make scrubs while there is demand, and would like to thank everyone who is keen to get involved. While grateful there are so many people willing to help, we have enough stitchers at the moment."
Moray Scrubs' volunteer network stretches across Moray, Banffshire, Aberdeenshire and further afield, with teams working together from a safe distance to sew scrubs in Elgin, Findhorn, Fochabers, Glenlivet, Rothiemay, Forres, Buckie, Lossiemouth, Duffus, Nairn and Cullen.
