A group of volunteers in Bedwas and Trethomas have been using their sewing skills to make headbands to help those on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
With health workers having to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when in contact with patients and clients, masks and visors have caused irritation and pain when worn for extended periods of time.
Photos posted on social media by healthcare staff have shown how the elastic on tight fitting masks has caused marking and scarring.
One of the most common issues is the pain that the elastic on masks has caused when fastened to the ears.
Lynda Nash, who’s a writer and editor from Trethomas, turned to making headbands after her stepdaughter, who is a nurse, told her how uncomfortable PPE is to wear.
The headbands, which have a button on either side, allow nurses to fasten the masks directly to the headband, reducing friction.
Mrs Nash said: “I saw there was a need for it and how awful these masks are to wear. I had stacks of material lying around and I just wanted to help in any way I could.
“First, I was doing them on my own and planned to make as many as I could. Then I realised I could make more if I had more help. We now have a conveyor belt of friends and we are making up to 50 per day.”
It’s not just nurses on the front line who have contacted Lynda asking her for headbands. Staff in other departments also have to wear masks as they come into contact with patients.
So far the headbands have been sent to the Royal Gwent Hospital, University Hospital of Wales, several care homes in the area, and hospitals in the West Midlands and Hampshire.
Mrs Nash added: “There are more and more people making variations and the demand isn’t stopping.
“Everybody is after buttons now, and somebody sent me some from Daventry the other day. I have no idea who they are, I don’t even know where Daventry is.”
Amanda Coles, who is a Deputy Sister on a designated Covid-19 ward in the Royal Gwent Hospital, received a headband last week, and told Caerphilly Observer: “These headbands have taken the pressure off our ears as the surgical masks are very uncomfortable.
“They have also added a little bit of colour and brightness during a very dark time.”
For advice on how to get involved in making accessories for NHS staff, email caerphillyscribes@gmail.com.
Latest information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Most cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) seem to be mild.
Coronavirus is a viral disease that can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. It can be more severe in older people, those with weakened immune systems and some long-term conditions like diabetes or cancer.
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Source: Public Health Wales
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