Donation helps Essex non-profit deliver care and comfort to thousands of patients nationwide
A non-profit that support thousands of patients each year through the bespoke creation of custom sleeves to cover peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), has welcomed a donation from Vygon UK.
PICC Pals creates bespoke sleeves to cover peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and Vygon has gifted 500 tape measures designed specifically to ensure precise measurement, ensuring that the sleeves provided by PICC Pals, all of which are handmade by volunteers, fit properly.
There are several reasons patients may prefer to cover the insertion site, including protection against infection, avoiding dislodgment or damage during certain activities, to maintain discretion, or for aesthetic or psychological reasons. PICC Pals aim is to enhance the experience and care outcomes of patients undergoing medium and long-term hospital treatments by offering a solution that reduces stress and improves hygiene – PICC covers.
“Our mission is to provide patients with something practical and uplifting during their treatment journeys,” explains Rosemary Weeks, a PICC Pals board member. “A well-fitted PICC line cover isn’t just about functionality; it’s a way to show patients they are supported and cared for. Many of our volunteers are or have been patients undergoing medium or long-term treatment, so we understand the stresses and concerns that come with having a PICC line and how it impacts day-to-day life.
“Vygon UK’s generous donation will ensure we can measure patients’ arms with greater precision, ensuring they are fitted with the correct size sleeve. This is essential for both safety and comfort. These little treasures will be gratefully received by the nurses who measure our clients for their sleeves.”
Since it was founded in 2021, PICC Pals has designed, created and distributed more than 20,000 handmade PICC line covers across the UK. What began with just seven ‘sewing bees’ has grown into a team of over 60 volunteers who cut, sew, and pack the sleeves. All sleeves also undergo security and infection inspections.
The PICC Pals range include sleeves for men, women and children, as well as a special covers for summer and Christmas. Each sleeve is handmade from vibrant, high-quality fabrics and is provided free of charge through the non-profit’s partnerships with 20 hospitals, various hospice organisations, as well as directly to patients across the country. The team even creates custom designs for special occasions like weddings.
Highlighting the alignment between the two organisations, Katie Kingston, Head of Marketing and Communications at Vygon UK, says: “The dedication of the PICC Pals team is inspiring and we are thrilled to support their initiative to bring care, comfort, and dignity to patients. By donating these tape measures, we want to help ensure that every sleeve fits perfectly, making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives during challenging treatment journeys.”
The tape measures will be distributed to hospital nurses and volunteers to support PICC Pals’ growing operations across the UK.