There has been much talk recently about PPE (personal protective equipment) for frontline NHS staff and I know that ensuring these guys have everything they need is a big concern for everyone.
I cannot speak to every hospital in the country but, as you would expect, I have made enquiries regarding what, if any, help may be needed at Basildon Hospital. I was governor of the hospital for some years and remain a member of the Trust and am still in occasional contact with staff there and can confirm that they do not, at present, have an appeal for PPE. I will, of course, continue to keep an eye on their social media feeds and share any appeals and messages that may arise in the future but, for the moment, they are alright.
Some of you may be aware, however, that the Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr David Finch, has shared a specific appeal from NHS Essex for PPE – this stated:
URGENT NHS ESSEX APPEAL FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
This is an urgent appeal from Essex County Council to small businesses for any Personal Protective Equipment (Items such as – Masks, Disposal Gloves, Aprons, Overshoes and Glasses) and Sanitising Gel that you may be holding within your stocks that can be diverted to provide protection to our front line care staff who are looking after and delivering care to our most vulnerable residents within Essex in the coming days and weeks.
Over the last few days there have been many small business that may use these products on a day to day basis, such as Restaurants, Gyms, Beauty Salons, Nail Bars, Car Body Shops, Tattoo Artists, Cleaning Companies, Hardware Stores and Schools to mention a few, which have closed in support of suppressing the spread of the virus, flattening the curve and staying at home.
It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use, and consequently ECC are seeking to know if you would be able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus and support our front line workers.
Essex County Council are willing to purchase any stocks should this be a need for your consideration, and will discuss this further if a donation is not agreeable.
Please can you message ppesupplies@essex.gov.uk with your PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, and a contact phone number and we will be in touch (just a reminder not to post personal details in group chat forums).
Once we have an understanding of what is available, Essex County Council will then contact you and prioritise the safe delivery or collection of any items whilst observing social distancing methods.
I do very strongly encourage anyone who is able to assist with the wider Essex appeal to do so and I will, naturally, continue to support any appeals from Basildon Hospital and share these with the community.
Stay safe.