Volunteer-ran clothing bank in Worcester hospital aims to make a 'real difference' to patients

‘The Wardrobe’ was launched in 2021 to provide essential clothing to patients

Dr Louisa Ward and Gaynor Roberts outside of The Wardrobe
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 13th Aug 2024

Organisers of a clothing bank in a Worcester hospital say being able to give patients the right clothes during the warm weather can make a 'real difference'.

Founded in 2021 by Dr Louisa Ward, ‘The Wardrobe’ is volunteer-ran at the Elgar Unit in Worcester, aiming to provide essential clothing to patients.

It gives patients access to clean, comfortable clothing, which can help them during their recovery.

Gaynor Roberts from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is one of the members who help run the service, and she says it's really useful to have, especially through the warm weather.

She said: "“Clean clothes can significantly impact on someone’s journey in hospital, supporting their comfort, independence, and sense of dignity.

"Everyone knows that if you've got the right clothing on you feel better in yourself, you don't want to be putting on heavy winter clothing and jumpers in the middle of summer because that's not good to you physically or mentally.

"A simple thing like giving someone some brand new underwear and a new pair of socks and a new T-shirt, it can heighten their mood, so to have the ability to have options of shorts, summer trousers, linen trousers, as it does get very hot, can make a real difference."

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