10,000 masks for children's hospice as doors reopen to families

A North Anston hospice has benefited from a donation of 10,000 face masks to help staff cope during the coronavirus outbreak.
Adam Carnell and James Kinsella.Adam Carnell and James Kinsella.
Adam Carnell and James Kinsella.

Bluetree Group, the first UK business to manufacture type IIR surgical face masks, chose Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice as its ‘Charity of the Year’ in 2019.

The hospice near Worksop offers palliative care and support to families who have a child or young person with complex medical needs.

James Kinsella, director at Bluetree Group, said: “Face masks are now essential for the day-to-day running of organisations like Bluebell Wood, and we are pleased to be donating a year’s supply of face masks so that the incredible team can continue their vital work.”

The hospice is now welcoming families back after taking the decision to suspend face-to-face care for a few months.

Chief executive at Bluebell Wood, Simon Hills, said: “We know there are families who would love nothing more than to return to the hospice or have a short break at home, while others may choose to continue shielding. Whatever these families decide, we will be there for them in every way we can.”

The business also donated 10,000 medical grade face masks to Martin House Hospice, which cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families.

Charlotte Walker, acting deputy director of clinical services at Martin House, said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Bluetree Group. It has been a very challenging few months and this donation of face masks will help us to protect our staff, as well as children and young people who come to the hospice.”

Following an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in March for industry to help increase face mask production by 40 per cent, Bluetree Group diversified its manufacturing capabilities to help with the response to Covid-19.

The printing business offers a face mask subscription service where professionals, organisations and individuals can purchase type IIR surgical face masks, and is ramping up to produce 20 million masks per week this September.