THE father of a frontline worker is asking for help washing hospital scrubs.

Sean Teatum’s daughter works in the A&E department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The 68-year-old says some healthcare staff at the hospital are having to wash their own scrubs after a busy day’s work.

Now Mr Teatum, who lives in Upper Beeding, is asking businesses in the area to help out with the laundry so NHS staff do not need to do their own.

The Argus:

He said: “My daughter has been at the hospital for about 18 months and is working in the combined A&E unit – dealing with suspected coronavirus patients on the frontline by doing the tests and getting them swabbed.

“Those like her on the frontline get it cleaned but many nurses on the wards have to wash their own scrubs.

“I think that because of the extra strain on some of these workers, they should have some help – they should not be having to do this.”

Scrubs are clothing worn by surgeons, nurses, physicians and other workers in hospitals. They were originally designed for use by surgeons who would put them on when sterilising themselves, or “scrubbing in”, before surgery.

Nowadays, they are worn by many workers in hospitals.

Mr Teatum said: “They get three sets of scrubs and are having to wash them each night. I was thinking that they might be able to get some help.

“Hotels could help, considering they are shut, as could laundries who are no longer washing restaurant’s dining cloths.

“It’s just a thought as some people might not have thought about the workers having to wash the scrubs.”

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, said: “The trust provides scrubs and a laundering service for staff working in certain roles within the hospital who don’t wear uniforms.

“In line with national infection control guidance, staff who wear uniforms are required to wash these at home on a high temperature.”

The Argus:

The trust did not answer which roles required workers to wash their own scrubs.

Meanwhile a network of DIY enthusiasts have set about stitching and making much-needed masks, scrubs and protective gear for NHS workers.

There have been serious concerns about a lack of personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses fighting coronavirus on the front line.

Volunteers have clubbed together on Facebook to make “desperately needed” protective gear.

The group, called “Our NHS needs your help to make and supply scrubs, hats, masks”, operates across Brighton, Hove, Seaford, Newhaven and Eastbourne.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund