Reusable surgical gown designed by Derbyshire clothing firm approved for use by local hospitals

A fashion firm in Derbyshire has designed a re-useable ‘parachute-style’ surgical gown for frontline NHS staff, which has been approved for use by local hospitals.

David Nieper responded to calls for PPE, which could dramatically reduce the need across the NHS for disposable gowns.

Working in partnership with The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, the clothing firm has created a prototype, which can be safely re-used 100 times by doctors and nurses on Covid-19 wards.

Christopher Nieper, CEO David Nieper Ltd says they have "enough fabric to make 12,500 gowns".

He added: "If these are washed 100 times they could potentially save the NHS buying 1.25 million disposable gowns."

The gown can be easily unfastened to avoid contamination risk of the wearers face.

It's removed inside out so that germs are trapped inside and the design also allows the wearer to take the robe off on their own

It comes as a number of businesses and organisations across the region offered to help make personal protective equipment.

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Meanwhile, inmates at Nottinghamshire prison are also to make PPE for health workers.

The prisons will make scrubs for around £5 a set, compared with their £15 price tag on the open market.