A Derbyshire firm which manufactures women’s clothing has switched its production to making scrubs for NHS workers.
David Nieper, based at Alfreton, has received its first order to make an initial 5,000 set of scrubs for frontline coronavirus staff.
The items will be supplied to two major university hospital NHS trusts - a total of nine hospitals, including Royal Derby Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Queen’s Hospital Burton, Leicester General Hospital, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital and other Derbyshire community hospitals.
Skilled sewing machinists, who usually make luxury ladies fashion and had been furloughed, are returning to work this week to support the NHS.
With two sewing factories and two shifts patterns, the company said it has plenty of space to ensure the social distancing of its staff.
Christopher Nieper, chief executive at David Nieper, said: “We’re delighted to welcome staff back to work and help the national effort.
“Four weeks ago we were one of the first to offer to make PPE and support the NHS, but our efforts have been frustrated by the slow centralized procurement system.
“To break through this red tape, we took the decision to sidestep the bureaucracy and bypass the central system.
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“We are are now supplying direct to nine hospitals through local East Midlands NHS trusts.
“We very much hope this approach proves to be groundbreaking in that local suppliers will be able to serve their local hospital services without delay, to ensure that PPE gets to where it is needed the most.
“Over the last few days we’ve cut and graded patterns for surgical scrubs and gowns, we’ve made prototypes for the hospitals to approve.
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“We’ve sourced, bought and had delivered 12,500 metres of fabric and a volunteer team worked over the Easter bank holiday, cutting the first 1,000 garments ready to start sewing.
“Where possible, British manufacturers should be switching production to support the Government in defeating this virus.
“This will support the NHS by providing them with vital equipment to do their jobs safely, while getting Britain back to work. We all need to put our shoulder to the wheel.”