Hospital’s hygiene hub
Customers are helping hospital patients get sanitary and toiletry products during care.
Lincolnshire Co-op has partnered with Lincoln County Hospital in setting up the Hygiene Hub, which receives donated items from the retailer’s pharmacies.
Ashby Ward, an 18 bedded neuro-rehabilitation unit for patients who have sustained brain injuries or suffer neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. They can stay on the ward for up to six months, sometimes without family support, such as providing hygiene items.
Hospital toiletries are often limited to shampoo and soap that are non-fragranced and can be drying to the skin. This toiletry bank provides patients with products including mouthwash, conditioner, shaving products and moisturiser.
Over five years ago, Ashby Ward nurses began buying toiletries out of their own money for the patients, but this was costly and meant there wasn’t a regular supply.
Staff Nurse Laura Whitworth is part of a shared decision-making council at the hospital that aims to make improvements for patients. She contacted Lincolnshire Co-op's Community team at the start of 2025 for support with toiletry supplies.
As a result, the Hygiene Hub was set up, providing patients with a frequent and wide range of hygiene products.
Laura said: “Having a range of toiletries has transformed the care on our ward. When patients are well enough, they can choose toiletries themselves and they’re always grateful for the selection we can offer them.
“We can’t thank the local community enough for donating hygiene items to the Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies that support us. For a lot of people toiletries are a simple gift but they have such a positive impact on our patients' journeys.”
The Stroke Unit and Lancaster Ward also receive toiletry donations when Ashby Ward doesn’t have enough storage space.
Since February 2025, the Hygiene Hub has been supported by donations made to Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies in Skellingthorpe, Waddington, Witham St. Hughes, Cherry Willingham, Nettleham and Welton.
The hospital’s scheme is also being supported through the Co-op's Secret Santa campaign, making it easy for customers to donate to 16 toiletry appeals in the retailers 43 pharmacies throughout Christmas.
