Council appeals for PPE donations
Date published: 08 April 2020
Oldham council has asked for people to get in touch if they have any PPE which could be used by front-line workers
Town hall chiefs are appealing to the public for donations of protective equipment to keep health and care staff safe from coronavirus.
Oldham council has asked for people to get in touch if they have any personal protective equipment (PPE) which could be used by front-line workers.
This includes disposable aprons, latex or nitrile gloves, face masks, hand sanitiser and eye protection.
The vital equipment can stop the Covid-19 virus spreading between people via moisture droplets, and is especially important for dealing with patients with the infection.
A spokesperson said any of these items ‘would be appreciated’.
Goggles used in college science lessons have already been donated to top up the council’s stock of PPE.
All across Greater Manchester people are stepping up to contribute to the supplies at hospitals, health centres and care facilities.
In Tameside, students have been making protective face shields for NHS staff and hospice workers in their school’s technology department.
Universities and colleges have also been raiding their science labs to donate vital equipment to the NHS.
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) academics are using 3D technology to develop protective face shields for Salford Royal hospital.
And MMU’s 3D and digital technology hub ‘PrintCity’ has also developed a hands-free device to open doors using cable ties.
It comes after nurses, doctors and carers across the UK complained that they have not been equipped with the correct protective clothing when treating or providing care to coronavirus patients.
Last week Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said there were still ‘major concerns’ over issues with PPE for frontline medical staff in the region, with not enough for hospitals, care homes or GPs.
In Oldham, chief executive Carolyn Wilkins described the provision of PPE as a ‘real challenge’.
If people are able to help with donations of PPE they are urged to email strategic.sourcing@oldham.gov.uk.
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