Shortages across the country has seen stocks of PPE running low, and the City of Wolverhampton Council needs to ensure that social workers and people working in service users' homes, care homes and children's units have the PPE they need to do their jobs safely.
The work they do, looking after vulnerable people old and young during the coronavirus pandemic, is of essential importance to the city.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "It has been widely reported that, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there's a global shortage of protective equipment for frontline workers.
"This PPE equipment is vital to help protect social care staff as they deliver care and support in residential settings, people's homes and elsewhere.”
Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, added: “A number of local businesses have already been in touch to offer donations or support. We are in the process of getting back to them and I would like to say a massive thank you to each organisation.
“We know that many local businesses have had to temporarily suspend or drastically reduce activities in line with Government guidance and it may be that they have some PPE which they can spare, so I would urge them to please get in touch if they can support us in any way."
The council is asking businesses to donate any spare PPE they currently have in stock including:
- Fluid repellent disposable gowns – EN13795
- Nitrile non-sterile gloves - EN 374
- Plastic aprons – category 1
- Eyewear and face protection - EN166
- FFP2 and FFP3 masks - EN 149
- IIR Surgical masks - EN14683
Please note, products must be within their use by date and must adhere to the relevant standards.
Businesses that can help are asked to please contact the council as soon as possible. For businesses wishing to donate items, please email covid19procurement@wolverhampton.gov.uk with full details of any PPE which may be available. Businesses selling PPE should please visit Emergency Requirements (COVID-19). Please provide information around the certification of items if all possible.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Advice for everyone – Coronavirus (COVID-19).
