• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Wednesday April 15 2020

Council and police thank businesses and public for PPE donations

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police have thanked businesses and individuals in the county that answered a plea for vital PPE gear.

The Personal Protective Equipment is needed to protect key workers from coronavirus.

In a matter of days, the appeal had been answered with donations including:

• 423 boxes of different sized gloves
• 75 rolls of aprons
• Three X 5 litre sanitisers
• 400 plastic sacks
• 80 boxes of shoe covers

The donated items are being split 50/50 with Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police after the joint appeal for supplies.

Joint Wiltshire Council chief executives, Terence Herbert and Alistair Cunningham, said: “We want to thank all those who have been so generous and provided this PPE to support local efforts in tackling COVID-19.

“National supply chains have been under immense pressure and although some stocks are now being delivered, we are grateful for this generous local response.

“We would encourage that support to continue so our key workers can deliver these critical services to the community.

“Wiltshire really has led the way with its community response and this is one great example of communities pulling together and making a real difference at this challenging time.”

Deputy chief constable Paul Mills said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have donated PPE which will help protect our frontline.

“The welfare of officers and staff is of paramount importance to us and getting the right protective equipment to them is crucial.

“It is no secret that, whilst responding to this unprecedented, national health pandemic, there have been some issues with getting the right quantity of kit to emergency services across the country. Wiltshire Police is no exception to this.

“It is vital that officers are well equipped so they can continue to protect and serve their communities.”

Any businesses that can help with the supply of PPE are asked to email CandF.Commissioning@wiltshire.gov.uk with the subject line PPE support.

Key items required are water repellent surgical face masks, non-latex gloves, and disposable plastic aprons.

Swindon and Wiltshire NHS clinical commissioning group is also appealing for items, including:

• Disposable plastic aprons
• All sizes of disposable examination gloves
• Face masks
• Eye protection
• Face visors
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Liquid soap
• Medical style disinfectant wipes
• Paper towels
• Perspex sheets

Anyone who can help should contact bswccg.ppe.covid@nhs.net