Despite the government’s assurances that Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is now being delivered across the nation to protect health and social care staff during the coronavirus crisis, appeals are still going out for supplies and donations of PPE – even for the NHS in our area.
The newly merged Clinical Commissioning Group which has joined together Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCGs from April 1 (known as BSW CCG), has put out an appeal both to suppliers and to businesses “…that have surplus stock due to day-to-day operations being paused”.
“The joint call-to-action is being made by leaders from local government and the local NHS…Among the items being requested from local PPE suppliers and businesses are:
• Disposable plastic aprons
• All sizes of disposable examination gloves (latex or nitrile, if possible)
• Face masks (such as surgical masks or FFP3 respiratory masks)
• Eye protection (such as goggles)
• Face visors
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Liquid soap
• Medical style disinfectant wipes
• Paper towels”
“In addition, there is an urgent need for clear Perspex sheets that can be installed to create a protective barrier for non-clinical staff who regularly come in to contact with patients, such as those in working in GP practices and non-emergency transport teams.”
Tracey Cox is BSW CCG’s Chief Executive: “There is a national supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) coming through, and we are working hard to get it flowing into every setting within our local health and care system.”
“However, we are facing unprecedented challenges so are joining forces with colleagues from across the region to call on any business that might be able to help us secure an additional supply of PPE for our teams working tirelessly to care for patients.”
“Any business that can help in any way, no matter how big or small their contribution could be, is asked to send an email to bswccg.ppe.covid@nhs.net.“
As we have reported, apart from the production of face masks by schools – such as St John’s Academy – some local firms have been hard at work. GWH is now getting a regular supply of sanitiser from Ramsbury Brewery.
A similar joint appeal made earlier by Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council has brought in donations that include:
• 423 boxes of different sized gloves
• 75 rolls of aprons
• Three X 5 litre sanitisers
• 400 plastic sacks
• 80 boxes of shoe covers.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills commented: “I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have donated PPE which will help protect our frontline. The welfare of officers and staff is of paramount importance to us and getting the right protective equipment to them is crucial.”
“It is no secret that, whilst responding to this unprecedented, national health pandemic, there have been some issues with getting the right quantity of kit to emergency services across the country. Wiltshire Police is no exception to this.”
Any businesses that can help with the supply of PPE to Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police can email CandF.Commissioning@wiltshire.gov.uk ; with the subject line ‘PPE support’. Key items still required are water repellent surgical face masks, non-latex gloves, and disposable plastic aprons.