RESIDENTS across Dorset have begun producing headbands for frontline NHS workers wearing PPE to improve their comfort and reduce sores.

Hannah Merrie, the owner and founder of Loved Garms Handmade Clothing, along with her boyfriend Steve Walsh, has been using her spare time during this pandemic to make headbands for nurses.

The pair from Kinson has supplied Poole Hospital, Bournemouth Hospital, and is still making them for further afield.

Lynn Launder, a staff nurse at Poole Hospital and a friend of Hannah, said: “As a nurse, it is hard going wearing a mask all day and hurts your ears.

“She has taken no money for these bands and wanted to do something help the NHS completely for free.

“Not only do they help ours ears, but it has lifted morale in the hospital and it is lovely seeing everyone walking around in their bright headbands.”

Since the government's call to the public to help make more PPE for NHS and care workers, Hannah, along with many other individuals and community groups across Dorset, have taken to their sewing machines to make headbands, as well as scrubs and laundry bags.

The 36-year-old's usual business, Loved Garms Handmade Clothing, provides clothing for women and children, including dresses, leggings, and hoodies, as well as a range of breast-feeding and baby-wearing friendly garments.

However Hannah has stopped producing clothes to focus on making headbands for NHS staff.

Hannah has been working 70-hour weeks to get the bands made and, to date, she has made nearly 1,100 in two weeks.

The headbands consist of a piece of jersey fabric with a two centimetre button on each side for healthcare staff to hook their PPE onto.

They make it more comfortable for staff to wear PPE face masks because the elastic can be hooked around the buttons instead of resting on the person's ears, which can cause sore and great discomfort for those working long shifts.

Hannah and Steve are donating their headbands to healthcare workers for free.

Thanks to donations from her existing customers and the public, she is looking to continue to make more headbands for frontline workers.

Lynn added: "She really is an inspiration, doing 70 hour weeks to get the bands made.

"They have done it for all the hospitals for free but I was encouraged to make a donation through her PayPal account to cover her materials."