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.
Following the launch of the appeal last week, donations including face masks, safety goggles and gloves have been received from local businesses, schools and individuals – including boxes of gloves donated by the University of Wolverhampton, and by staff at Wolverhampton Art Gallery who would usually use then to handle works of art.
But more is desperately needed, and anyone who can help is asked to get in touch with the council as soon as possible.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "There's a global shortage of protective equipment, which is vital to help protect people like social care staff as they deliver care and support in residential settings, people's homes and elsewhere.
“In addition, the Government is struggling to deliver the amount of PPE it has promised to supply, while the severity of the disease means that more PPE is needed to keep people safe.
"That's why we've launched an urgent appeal for PPE and it's great that a number of individuals and local businesses have already been in touch to offer donations or support, and I want to say a massive thanks to each and every one of them.
“If you or your organisation has any equipment to spare, please get in touch with us as soon as you possibly can - in doing so you will be playing an instrumental role in the fight against coronavirus."
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 current technical and regulatory standards for PPE, available at GOV.UK – Technical Specifications for PPE.
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 proactis. 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).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
