It comes after a rise in NHS workers requiring scrubs, hats and bags, due to shortages amid the COVID-19 crisis. George Linsdell administrator of the UK-wide For The Love Of Scrubs Campaign told Express.co.uk that nearly “12,000 of items including scrubs, hats and bags have been distributed mainly to UK hospitals” as of Friday.

The Official For The Love Of Scrubs UK Facebook group has over 40,000 members, and was established by Ashleigh Linsdell after she identified a shortage of scrubs and PPE equipment.

This official group has inspired many regional campaigns to be established, to help NHS workers through this unprecedented period.

The clothing has been urgently requested by NHS hospitals around the country amid criticisms the government has not been quick enough in its response to provide essential clothing.

Karen Newport, the administrator for the Surrey Scrubs campaign, has organised the Surrey Campaign to rally sewers and helpers to make the equipment for NHS staff in St Peters and Ashford Hospital.

She said: “We have 200 volunteers all wanting to help and make a difference to the wonderful NHS.

“These volunteer groups around England are just doing what is right, more than applause, to help keep our heroes safe.”

The Surrey Scrubs administrator added: “If we can save just one NHS worker, how many patients can they save?”

Most of the campaign groups have resorted to online fundraising pages which have raised thousands of pounds in the space of days.

These funds will provide essential financing for material and patterns for the scrubs for NHS frontline workers.

Verity Ruane, the founder for the Derbyshire For The Love of Scrubs, said: “I was initially inspired by Ashleigh Linsdell who started the main For the Love of Scrubs movement.”

She added: “We are now a network of over 750 sewers and organisers throughout Derbyshire.

“So many of us felt so helpless sat at home, unable to work but desperate to help, that is why I set the group up.

“We all owe the NHS staff so much and by helping them to be comfortable right now is finally our chance to give back.”

The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, was questioned about the government’s response to NHS clothing via video link from the Commons Health and Social Care Committee on Friday.

During this two-hour call, the Health Secretary committed to 55,000 more gowns to be delivered on Friday across the UK.

However, regarding the shortage of PPE, Mr Hancock said: “I wish I could wave a magic wand but I can’t”.

The Health Secretary praised the additional sources of PPE coming from non-government sources. He said: “That’s terrific, that is part of the system working.”

It comes after over 45 NHS staff have reported to have sadly died from coronavirus across the UK, with the figure likely to increase.

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