Fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch has donated 125 of the specially designed ‘Holdster’ to staff in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and theatres at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW Trust) so they can safely carry and access their belongings whilst working during the coronavirus outbreak.

MTW is the only Trust in Kent chosen to trial the holdsters which have been created by the English designer so staff can wear it whilst wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which prevents them from accessing their uniform pockets.

Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the holdster is made from durable and wipeable fabric, has adjustable, harness-like straps for comfort, a host of pockets for belongings and is finished with an ‘NHS heroes’ embroidery.

The holdsters, which were distributed to staff through ‘Project Wingman’* – a recently launched staff welfare project, are proving to be a big hit with the staff members who are using them.

Trudie Phillips, Anaesthetic and Intensive Care Consultant at MTW Trust, said: “The holdsters have been trialled by our frontline NHS staff here at MTW NHS Trust and have proved a great success.

“Feedback from both nurses and doctors working within clinical areas state they are really comfortable to wear, easy to fit, durable and wipe clean.

“Having a holdster to keep all personal and work- based equipment in has proved integral to helping make our professional lives easier, whilst ensuring we adhere to infection control guidelines. We are so very grateful for this kind donation from Anya and her team.”

In total 400 holdsters have been made by Anya and her team with the rest being issued to ICU teams at various hospitals in London.

The Times and The Sunday Times have since donated funds to make another 1,500 holdsters, which will be ready for distribution at the end of this month (May).

Anya Hindmarch is now asking for people to sponsor a ‘Holdster’ for £10 so they can be rolled out to ICU staff members working for other Trust’s across the country.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anya-hindmarch-holdster