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Retailer supports local hospital
Lincolnshire Co-op has partnered with Lincoln County Hospital to help patients have access to a regular supply of sanitary and toiletry products during care.
Ashby Ward, an 18 bedded neuro-rehabilitation unit for patients who’ve sustained brain injuries or suffer neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, set up its own hygiene bank called ‘The Hygiene Hub.’
Patients can stay on the ward for up to six months, sometimes without family support, such as providing hygiene items.
However, 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.
Ashby Ward 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-operative's Secret Santa campaign, making it easy for customers to donate to 16 toiletry appeals in Lincolnshire Co-op's 43 pharmacies throughout Christmas.
Danielle Lowther, Lincolnshire Co-op Senior Community Co-ordinator, said: “We’re proud to be helping the Hygiene Hub and giving our customers ways to support people in need, especially over Christmas.
“At Lincolnshire Co-op, we’re committed to taking care of our local communities and supporting services that make a difference. Our partnership with Lincoln County Hospital is a testament to that.”
Previously in May 2020, Lincolnshire Co-op raised £13,108 for Lincoln County Hospital to support healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ben Petts, Charity Manager at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: "Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire Co-op and community donations, we have a reliable supply of hygiene products that help patients throughout their recovery.
“We’re continuing to explore ways to expand the Hygiene Hub to other wards and hospitals around Lincolnshire, so even more patients can benefit from this vital support.”
