In response to a shortage of surgical gowns across the country at the start of the pandemic, our clinicians took matters into their own hands and developed a blueprint which could be made from operating theatre drapes.
Caroline Gration, director of The Fashion School in Chelsea, south west London, took up the challenge of producing the gowns, sourcing a factory location, sewing machines and a team of more than 300 volunteers.
Helped by the Trust’s finance team and the Friends of Royal Brompton charity, a slick production line occupying six rooms was up and running within a week at nearby Kensington and Chelsea College, to transform surgical drapes into more than 30,400 surgical gowns.
Finance manager, Tom Bennett, who project managed production, said: “Without doubt, this was initially a daunting task. However, the energy and motivation from all of our volunteers has been amazing. We have been overwhelmed by people’s support.”
Joy Godden, director of nursing and clinical governance, said: “This is an excellent example of how people across the Trust are responding to the challenges of this pandemic by getting involved in areas where they have little or no experience. I would like to give big thanks to everyone for their support, and to our very brave frontline staff who, when told about the shortage of gowns, challenged themselves to find a solution."
Volunteers for the project came from all walks of life and even included fashion designer Michael Halpern, who commented: “It’s been amazing to see how people whose job this isn’t normally are able to produce really amazing things in times of need.”
His enthusiasm was shared by two other volunteers from the fashion world:
Creative director Michael Holloway said “I think it’s one of the few opportunities in life where fashion can actually be a skill that can contribute to helping people stay safe, so it was really a no brainer to come and join this group of volunteers.”
Stylist Kenny Ho said “Having read about the shortages of PPE, I feel that it’s really great that we are able to offer what is necessary. Literally everything that we are making here is going straight from the workshop into a hospital ward.”
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