A WOMEN’S Institute branch in Dorset has fulfilled an order of more than 1,000 pieces of handmade protective equipment for Dorset County Hospital.

As previously reported, the Child Okeford group has been donating scrub caps to the hospital to aid medical staff in keeping hair out of their eyes. They have now hit their target, set by DCH, of more than 600 caps.

They have also produced 388 headbands and 265 mask adapters, which add padding to the back of masks to make the wearing of them more comfortable, particularly useful for the long hours medical staff are having to work currently.

Child Okeford WI have been careful to only provide what DCH is in need of, and not to overload them with equipment.

They have been in close communication with the hospital and have fulfilled orders at their request.

Mrs Morris said: “It is quite amazing, the tenacity of some of the ladies to produce everything so quickly has been unbelievable.”

“Everyone has been sewing throughout the week and on Mondays the wicker box outside my house would just be filled to the brim with items. Nobody ever said who they were or who made what, it was very selfless. There was a feeling like ‘we’re doing this together and here’s my contribution for this week.

“It’s been a village wide effort. The ladies who have done the sewing have done an incredible job, it was humbling how everyone was so giving with their time and effort.”

DCH has shared some of the items with other local hospitals and care homes that are in need of more protective equipment.

Child Okeford WI are now turning their attention to providing the children of DCH with knitted teddies at the request of the hospital staff. They hope that this will give the children comfort in a difficult time.

Mrs Morris continued: “Young children may find looking at nursing staff in masks off putting and a little frightening, so somebody at the hospital came up with the bright idea of making teddies with face masks on, so the children would be more comfortable with the concept.

“There are no further plans at the moment, but in this environment, none of us know what the next little challenge may to be. If there is a challenge we feel we can rise to and help people with, we will do it.”

To keep up to date with the Child Okeford WI’s plans, visit www.childokefordwi.wordpress.com