PPE for frontline workers

A call has gone out for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for St Helens Council frontline workers.

Dedicated staff are continuing to support some of the most vulnerable people in our borough every day, whether providing vital support to keep people in their own homes or more specialist care in care homes.

But the equipment they need to protect not just themselves but the people they care for is running lower with each day and the health and social care sector in the borough is struggling to get essentials like masks, disposable gloves and aprons as quickly as it needs due to the huge surge in demand.

This has led to the call for help from businesses and community groups to help.

Businesses who could help:

· Dentists

· Vets

· Hazardous industries (e.g. asbestos removal)

· Health and beauty

Donations needed are:

· Hand sanitiser (at least 70 per cent alcohol based)

· Disposable gloves (vinyl - powder free)

· Disposable aprons

· Protective face masks (IIR, FFP2 or FFP3)

· Protective eye goggles/glasses and over spectacle glasses

All products must not have reached their end of use date and payment can be arranged for any suitable products put forward. The council will also arrange for collection of any equipment.

Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “We have been desperately waiting for the delivery of this vital PPE that we have been assured is coming. But we have not received a supply that will see our heroic frontline staff, who in many cases are looking after those most vulnerable to this indiscriminate virus, protected and in turn protect those they care for.

“It is our duty and legal responsibility to make sure that these heroic staff who are going above and beyond in these difficult circumstances and the people they care for are given the right equipment to keep them safe.

“We know many organisations are already going above and beyond to support our communities and we've seen our borough come together through St Helens Borough Together. This is another opportunity for businesses to help. We are willing to pay for your supplies so please do think if you can help us out, we will make sure you do not lose out and you can help us to keep the many people we support every day. ”

Councillor Marlene Quinn, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, added: “This unprecedented time has shown who the most important people working in our society are and social care workers are among those key workers the nation relies on. They have answered the call to continue the vital work they do with willing, determination and a passion for providing care that so many families in our borough have witnessed as they support their loved ones. We need your help to make sure they can continue to do that. So please help us with anything you can give.”

To find out more about how to give PPE equipment please contact Cathryn White by email cathrynwhite@sthelens.gov.uk or call 07305 349828.?