Businesses are being asked to help support the NHS and council care systems
across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset in response to the
ongoing coronavirus emergency.
Given the unprecedented demand, frontline health and social care workers are in
need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help ensure the safe treatment of
patients.
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, as well as businesses
that have surplus stock due to day-to-day operations being paused, 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, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire,
Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “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.”
Councillor Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Swindon Borough
Council, said: “It is crucial that hard working and dedicated health and social care
staff have the equipment and resources they need.
“As a short-term measure, we are asking local businesses for support in providing
such equipment so that our colleagues can to continue to support our most
vulnerable residents, as well as ensuring we can deliver critical services at this
challenging time.”
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.
Business owners who are unsure whether their equipment is suitable for use are still
strongly encouraged to make contact, as teams are on hand to provide advice.
Any business donating equipment to the frontline workers will be given two moths free advertising on The Swindonian – please drop us an email at getintouch@theswindonian.co.uk
