A team of dedicated crafters has donated more than 7,700 hand-made masks to Northumberland Hills Hospital in seven months, for use by patients and visitors in-hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first wave of the virus, NHH identified a need for face coverings in-hospital, for outpatients attending chemotherapy and dialysis appointments, as well as inpatients that were discharged from hospital and essential visitors.
Jessica, whose husband Tom had a discussion with the hospital’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Mukesh Bhargava, heard about the need for hand-made masks. Jessica (who enjoys sewing,) tested a blue medical grade material provided by the hospital, as a prototype. The material is usually used to wrap medical equipment during sterilization – Jessica contacted the owner of the Stitch Witch in Cobourg, who contacted the store’s customers through their store email list, asking for volunteers.
More than 50 crafters contributed to the efforts, with about 15 local crafters participating in the project for all seven months. The template was developed by the University of Florida and NHH general surgeon Dr. Kaes Al-Ali conducted research into face mask patterns and effectiveness (adjustments were also made to the pattern design, during the pandemic.)
Port Hope businesses also supported the cause, by providing materials for the masks including copper wire for the nosepiece (Acme Electric) and elastic (Vosburgh Home Decor.) Colin Davis also supported the cause – Donations also started in Durham, Peterborough County, and Kawartha Lakes, as a result of the Jessica’s ‘blue mask’ initiative. The project finished last fall, with the final delivery of hand-made masks to NHH.
