Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • HMP Kilmarnock making PPE for local hospitals

Security

HMP Kilmarnock making PPE for local hospitals

Officers at HMP Kilmarnock, managed by Serco on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service, have been busy making Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the local NHS Ayrshire & Arran Maternity Hospital and Woodland View secure and supportive inpatient facility.

Above: A person modelling hospital scrubs made by officers at HMP Kilmarnock.
Courtesy Serco

It started when HMP Kilmarnock was contacted to ask if it could help to produce hospital scrubs as there is a huge shortage in Scotland, particularly in Ayrshire, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Officers at the prison were keen to help and are now dealing directly with the organisation ‘For the love of Scrubs’.

Advertisement
Teledyne

The work is being done by members of staff in the textile workshop and so far Kilmarnock has completed 51 sets of scrubs and is now procuring more elastic so they can continue the work.  As there are an increased number of organisations rising to the challenge to support the NHS teams across the country, it’s challenging to obtain the correct material for making these garments, but Kilmarnock continues to churn out as many scrubs as they can with the material that is delivered to them.

Furthermore, the prison has started making another item of clothing for the NHS which is called a ‘cap ear/elastic saver’.  This is an item that will allow NHS staff to wear surgical masks without causing discomfort or pain to the back of their ears. The initial request is for “hundreds” but we expect that number to increase.

Pamela Swan, Acting Director of HMP Kilmarnock said: “I am so proud of my Serco colleagues – they have been so quick and eager to assist with this important initiative, and they have my full support. It is crucial in these unprecedented times that we provide any assistance we can to our NHS colleagues.”

The organisation ‘For the love of scrubs’ was created by Mirka and Maja Jankowska of Mirka Bridal Couture after discovering, through a larger UK Facebook group, there was a shortage of scrubs in the NHS. Joined by Holly Baxter-Weir of Fabric Bazaar and Clare Boyle of The Kind Earth Co-op, Maja set up a fundraiser and put out a call for machinists. Less than 48 hours later funds of over £10,000 had poured in and over 1,200 volunteers have been in touch. 

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Maja, Holly and Clare head up a team of co-ordinators all over Scotland getting in touch with hospitals, GPs and other medical personnel to make sure the efforts of their army of volunteers are being directed to where it's most needed.

 


 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
QinetiQ US achieves DoD

Security

QinetiQ US achieves DoD's CMMC Level 2 Cybersecurity Certification

16 July 2025

Advanced certification has positioned QinetiQ US among early achievers in a select group of companies meeting the US Department of Defense's enhanced cybersecurity standards, having earned Level 2 certification under the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) programme with zero findings.

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney joins NPAS as COO

Security

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney joins NPAS as COO

15 July 2025

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), following the retirement of Chief Superintendent Vicki White after 30 years of service to policing.

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

Defence Security Events

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

15 July 2025

Franchised distributor of electrical, electronic and optical connectors, Lane Electronics, will be exhibiting at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London) will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest connector technologies and its UK-based assembly and services.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK and France agree scheme to address illegal Channel crossings

Security

UK and France agree scheme to address illegal Channel crossings

11 July 2025

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have agreed a scheme to address illegal Channel crossings and dismantle the people smuggling networks.

IFS appoints Kriti Sharma as CEO of Nexus Black

Aerospace Security

IFS appoints Kriti Sharma as CEO of Nexus Black

11 July 2025

IFS has appointed Kriti Sharma as CEO of IFS Nexus Black. This strategic move reinforces IFS’s commitment to industrial AI and fast-tracks the development of agentic AI systems designed for the asset- and service-intensive industries it serves.

Advertisement
Teledyne