19 March 2021

Local group donates colourful scrubs to Allachburn Care Home

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for care homes in Aberdeenshire, requiring them to re-evaluate their approach to care for residents.

While this has been a challenging time, it has also brought new opportunities for Allachburn care home. As part of the changes to the Allachburn’s infection control procedure, which previously required staff to take their uniforms home to wash, the care home is now providing staff with locally made scrubs that can be washed on site.

The scrubs were made and donated by the Finzean Scrub Hub, a group founded by local artist Mel Shand.

Mel founded the group at the onset of the pandemic as a way of giving back to her community during a time of crisis.

The group upcycles old materials, such as children’s old duvet covers, into bright and comfortable scrubs for NHS Grampian and local care homes. The scrubs are then left at safe drop-off points for collection.

Mel commented: "There are around 12 ladies that have regularly sewn scrubs over the last year. We have been delighted to help out and it's a great way to upcycle pre-loved fabric. My now grown-up son was delighted to see his beloved Thomas the Tank duvet cover taking on a new lease of life!"

Over the last year, the Scrub Hub have made over 100 sets of scrubs and over 150 scrub bags, sewn together from duvet covers, pillowcases, and other materials – all donated by volunteers and members the Finzean community.

They have also made sewing kits with pre-cut fabric for scrubs, using Finzean Farm Shop as a safe point of collection.

Isla Cowe, Manager of Allachburn Care Home, said: “The ladies at Finzean Scrub Hub have done a lovely job with the scrubs. The staff at Allachburn have said they are very comfortable and soft, and the residents enjoy the bright colours and patterns.

“The past year has been challenging for care homes, but we are thankful for groups such as the Scrub Hub who have persevered and made a positive contribution to their communities.”

Jill Matthew, Location Manager for Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are very grateful to the Finzean Scrub Hub for their donations to Allachburn Care Home. It’s wonderful to see a local group working hard for a good cause.”

“Scrub Hub" is a UK-wide movement that began in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative consists of volunteer community groups across Scotland, England and Wales, who sew scrubs for key workers in the NHS and care facilities.

Finzean Scrub Hub have donated scrubs of all different sizes and designs to Allachburn, and they have been praised by both residents and staff for their comfort and fun patterns.

Christine Morrison, a resident at Allachburn, said: “I love the cheery colours and prints. They remind me of a top I used to wear.”

Another resident, Allie Elrick, added: “The scrubs remind me of spring, as they are so bright and cheery. I just love the staff wearing them.”