A partnership that has been called “sew amazing” is helping Southcare’s frontline health workers and our most vulnerable community members connect in colourful new ways.
The Rotary Club of Como has provided 70 hand sewn fabric masks as a much-needed care package for Southcare’s essential health workers to use when visiting customers in their homes.
Director of Community Services, Como Rotary Club, John Dodman (who is also the Chairman of the Southcare Board) said supplying the masks was the right thing to do particularly as the strain on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) resources shows no signs of abating.
“This is a new era of protection and connection and so needed a special approach,” Mr Dodman said.
“My thanks go to Como Rotary Ladies Sewing Group’s Barbara Dodman, Pam O’Garr and Heike Davey for coming together and showing us what community connection is all about,” Mr Dodman said.
Southcare CEO Dr Nicky Howe said the masks are high quality, made with three layers of fabric and had been so well received that plans are in hand to source more.
“The feedback from our customers and frontline teams has been fabulous – they are all loving the colourful personality of the masks and the colour they are bringing to their regular in-home visits.
“Our team are sporting flowers, fruit, stripes and other fun patterns which are proving to be a great conversation starter as well as protective tool in a time when the current news is overwhelming.
“Plans are underway now for the Como Rotary Ladies Sewing Group to supply a large order of gowns for our carers to also wear, and the excitement and appreciation for that is palpable!” Dr Howe said.
The masks have all been washed to Southcare’s high infection control standards and distributed using stringent sanitisation practices, and the gowns will receive the same treatment before use.
“Isn’t it great that in this increased time of social distancing, we are finding “sew” many ways to come together,” Dr Howe said.
