A laundry named after the most famous character in Eastenders has pledged to wash the uniforms of hospital staff for free.
Dot Cotton’s launderette boss Kristine Park says she can handle about 400 dirty scrubs a day.
Her offer follows the re-opening of the laundry at Tam’s Brig, Ayr, last Monday.
It had been shut for more than a week but was able to re-open under tight restrictions as a vital service.
And Kristine said: “In normal times we look after the scrubs of quite a few NHS staff.
“They normally do have to wash their own uniforms.
“We are desperate to help in any way we can.”
The big machines can handle up to 60 scrubs at a time and Kristine reckons they can manage up to 70 loads.
The washes take an hour then drying in the giant drums takes just half an hour.
Disinfectant in the wash kills bugs and has the uniform perfect for the next shift.
Kristine said: “We normally have a lot of NHS customers and are part of the Blue Light 20 per cent discount scheme.
“It feels the right thing to do now, and give something back for free.
And she added this week: “My cousin is a nurse and at the moment after a long shift, the last thing she wants to do is put on a washing.”
Kristine, 39, runs the business with husband Jim,43, and is also helped by her mum Linda,60, and aunt Audrey, who set-up Dot Cotton’s.
Opening hours have been cut and only one customer will be allowed in at a time.
She added: “The door will be locked and we have a bell to get our attention.
“The safety of our staff and customers is our priority.”
The launderette has signed up for the Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland volunteer network.
