Liverpool community makes headbands for hospital staff

Liverpool's crafty community has mobilised to make hundreds of headbands for Liverpool Hospital staff to help prevent the stinging ears that follow the many hours of work wearing surgical masks.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic requires clinical staff to wear the masks throughout their shifts for their own protection, the headbands will help relieve the pressure on their ears.

The headbands are designed with buttons at the sides, providing a simple anchor on which to fasten the mask elastic.

“This is a great example of the Liverpool community coming together to do something wonderful,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“By helping Liverpool Hospital staff in such a practical way, they are saving already exhausted health workers from added discomfort and distraction.

“We will beat this if we stay strong together and the headbands for hospital staff is exactly the kind of spirit and initiative we need in the Liverpool community to help us through these trying times.”

The effort was mobilised with volunteers from Liverpool service clubs including Liverpool Greenway Rotary, Legacy and Quota.

They are using a pattern created by Warwick Farm costume design student Mikaela Conners, based on similar headbands worn by clinical staff worldwide.

The fabric, thread and buttons for the headbands have been provided by the volunteers making them.

The push began this week, but already there are about 200 headbands ready to be delivered to Liverpool Hospital on Friday morning.

However, the effort continues, and those keen to help out should email June Young via [email protected]. If you wish to join the headbands for hospital staff push but are not able to provide materials, Liverpool Greenway Rotary will provide them for you.