HOSPITALS are ordering scrubs from sewing volunteers as it admitted it has “outstanding issues” with equipment supplies.

Volunteer group East Sussex Seamstresses has received orders for 300 scrubs, 100 headbands, 300 bags and 150 gowns from NHS chiefs across the county. Some of that stock will go to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Worthing Hospital and the Meridian Surgery in Peacehaven are also set to receive supplies.

But an East Sussex Seamstresses spokeswoman said it was in desperate need of more volunteers and funds.

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“We’re all wondering how we’re going to get this order done,” she said.

“We’re all staying up very late sewing.”

Royal Sussex chief nurse Carolyn Morrice admitted the hospital had “outstanding issues” with protective equipment. But she insisted Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust chiefs are working tirelessly.

“I want every member of our staff at the trust to know we understand and share their concerns and are doing all we can to resolve outstanding issues,” Ms Morrice said.

“The trust is not alone in facing some of these challenges.

“But we are working with national teams and others to secure supplies and have set up additional processes to keep personal protective equipment moving through our hospitals. The safety of our staff and patients is our utmost priority.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure our colleagues on the front line have the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe and confident.”

If you can help sew for East Sussex Seamstresses or donate money or materials, visit sandbnhw.org/scrubs.

Brighton choir Rainbow Chorus and singer Hannah Brackenbury released a YouTube parody of TLC song No Scrubs to raise awareness of volunteers sewing scrubs.

The parody entitled More Scrubs is available to watch at youtube.com/watch?v=MnluqGvkrLs.

Meanwhile Worthing Hospital staff were filmed dancing in their protective equipment in a heartwarming video posted on Facebook.

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