Plea to Businesses to Help with PPE Supplies

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A call to arms was today issued to the region’s army of manufacturers and small businesses to join the Covid-19 fight by manufacturing or donating protective clothing for carers and other frontline workers. The West Midlands is the biggest regional hotspot for coronavirus outside London. Social care staff as well as other public service workers such as refuse collectors and undertakers across the region are struggling to find enough medical grade Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to keep them and vulnerable clients safe from the coronavirus. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has joined forces with local councils and business groups, including the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to issue the rallying call for companies who can help tackle the shortage. The Government has secured bulk orders of PPE for the NHS and hospitals, but equipment is in short supply to public service workers such as social care staff. Items needed include: Type IIR/FFP2/FFP3 Facemasks, disposable sleeveless aprons, disposable aprons with sleeves, disposable Nitrile gloves, goggles and hand sanitiser. If you are able to support this request in any way, please register your interest via email ppe@westmids.org.uk with your company details. These vital supplies can then, as required, be procured and allocated by local authorities and private community-based organisations who support and care for vulnerable and unwell people across the West Midlands.