WI rushes to the rescue of NHS in Milton Keynes

The federation's Resilience Officer was contacted by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust last month to ask for help with making laundry bags for NHS staff uniforms.

"The word went out around the county to our 119 WIs and as if by magic fabric from unwanted sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and even from precious fabric stashes was transformed into over 6000 of the 75cm x 50cm drawstring bags as well as countless button headbands to save sore ears," said a WI spokesman.

She added: "Members and friends took out their sewing machines and set to with their usual “can do” attitude with some having to dust the machine down and re-learn how to use it."

Staff put their scrubs in the bag before they leave the hospital at the end of a shift and it is washed at 60 degrees to prevent cross contamination from the Covid-19 virus.

At least 70 of our WIs participated, including the Sherington Belles in Milton Keynes. The members included one sprightly 94 year old, who not only made the laundry bags but ran up some “I love NHS” bunting to hang on the tree at the end of her drive.

Another member is being treated for breast cancer and was delighted to be able to “give something back” for the treatment that she is receiving.

The WI spokesman said: “I was overwhelmed with the generosity of local folk as I was inundated with sheets and

pillowcases. It’s been humbling and heartening to see how folk rallied round this task.

"Helping the Trust has addressed an urgent need in our community, but also provided purpose for our members at a difficult, isolating time – something humans definitely need.

"We are so proud of all of our 'sewists' for their production of such vast numbers of laundry bags in response to this plea, and at such speed."