After receiving nearly 9000 toothbrushes, as a donation from Mulberry Innovations, Emmaus Herts weren’t entirely sure what to do with them all.  However, after a bit of Facebook magic, they soon found the wonderful Michelle, who was feverishly busy at home making up toiletry packs for her local hospital.

Toothbrushes for covid toiletry packsEmmaus Hertfordshire boxed up over 100 toothbrushes and promptly delivered them to Michelle’s doorstep, in their big Emmaus van, whilst they were on the way to drop some other items off at the local food bank.  Michelle then added soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste to make up a complete toiletry pack.

These little bags of hope are destined for the Intensive Care Unit in the local hospital, Watford General.  The packs are small enough in size that they will fit neatly into the bedside lockers.  Hopefully, they will bring a bit of comfort, in what must be such a scary time for those patients who are struggling to fight Covid 19.  After emergency admissions, most patients aren’t able to bring in toiletry kits and with families unable to visit, it is difficult for staff to find the time and resources to find patients the items that they need.

West Herts NHS Trust, which looks after Hemel Hempstead General Hospital, St Albans City Hospital and Watford General Hospital has seen 273 Coronavirus related deaths as of 30th April, and remains the worst hit of the Hertfordshire NHS Trusts.

 

Business Development Manager for Emmaus Herts, Jennifer, commented:

“We can’t imagine what it must be like for the staff and patients within all of our hospitals in Hertfordshire. Our homelessness charity is used to putting together packs containing winter essentials for the rough sleepers in our county.  We are really glad that these toothbrushes are going to the front line and that we have been able to play a little part in the fight against this awful virus.  The other 1000’s of toothbrushes have gone to local food banks, temporary accommodation and homeless shelters.”