A former NHS worker is raising money to provide Crosshouse staff with care packages to help them counteract any facial damage caused by PPE.

Yvonne Campbell Laing, a medical secretary from Irvine, worked in paediatrics at Crosshouse for 16 years.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, Yvonne felt moved to help her former colleagues and set up a fundraiser to buy self-care products to relieve the stress and tension of life on the frontline.

The care packages include foot cream, hand cream and face masks.

Yvonne said: “I came across a photo on Facebook of the doctors and nurses with the horrible marks on their faces from the masks and goggles and just thought I should do something for the staff. The generosity of the local people has totally overwhelmed me to say the least.

“I have been in contact with my former colleagues to ask how many doctors and nurses are in paediatrics alone and there are 68 nurses and 15 doctors so I need to make at least 83 bags up, so every little bit of cash helps.

“I also asked what kind of items they would be looking for and the reply was hand cream, foot cream, face masks and lip salve as all areas of their skin are drying out with the protective clothing.”

Yvonne is working with the owners of Day-Today, Bourtreehill Supermarket to provide frontline workers with sweets and chocolate as a treat. Locals are also crocheting small bands for staff to wear at the back of their head which aim to ease the strain on the back of their ears.

The Irvine woman is personally donating £1 for every £10 raised, with donations currently standing at £498.

Yvonne said: “This is just a little something to say we really appreciate them and everything that they are doing.”

Donate at facebook.com/donate/1287051534824030/.

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