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COVID-19 Message from Director of Nursing

27 March2020

Dear Business Leader

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


NHS West Essex CCG

Jane Kinniburgh

Director of Nursing & Quality

NHS West EssexCCG

Building 4

Spencer Close

St Margaret’s Hospital

The Plain

Epping

Essex

CM16 6TN


The NHS is doingallitcan to prepareforthenextphase of the coronavirus(COVID-19)pandemic. Personalprotectiveequipment (PPE)isakeyfactorinlimitingthe spread of thisdisease. It isalso vitalto enableNHS staff tocareforpatients.

The World Health Organisationhasidentifiedthatthe currentglobalstockpileof PPEisinsufficient, particularlyfor medicalmasksand respirators; the supplyofgloves,gownsandgoggles issoonexpectedtobe insufficientalso.

The NHS supplychainhasbeenproviding PPE and isincreasing itscapacity.Butasyoumayhaveseen orread,demand is currently outstripping supply.

At the sametime pilesof commercialPPE stockslayidle withinorganisationsorbusinessesthatarecurrently temporarily closeddueto theoutbreak.

Thisis equipmentthat NHS and careorganisationsin West Essexcouldbe using tobolsterthenational supplies.

Asa short-termmeasure we arethereforeasking localbusiness and organisations inWest Essex to help withthesupplyof:

  • Disposableplasticaprons
    • Disposableexamination gloves (allsizes) latex or nitrile if possible
    • Facemasks – Fluid resistant(type 11R) single use, disposable
    • Eyeprotection /goggles – plastic (can be decontaminated with chlorine based disinfectant if not disposable)
    • Facevisors
    • Scrubs
    • Alcohol-basedhand sanitisers – needs to be 60% alcohol, ideally 70%
    • Liquid soap
  • Pape handtowels

Weof course appreciate donationsbut willbeputting inplacearrangements forreasonable reimbursement as required.

Ifyouarenot sure yourequipment is of the rightgrade, pleasegetin touchandwecanprovideadvice.

 

Ifyouhave anyof the aboveproductsand are willing to sharethem withNHS andcareorganisations across West Essexplease contact:

Yourssincerely

Jane Kinniburgh

DirectorofNursing & Quality

NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group