Appeal to businesses to donate unwanted PPE

Local businesses are being asked to donate unwanted stocks of personal, protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS for frontline staff to use.

The East Lancashire CCG is appealing to businesses that have stocks of PPE that they aren’t currently using due to the Covid19 pandemic.

Already some businesses have made generous donations of PPE stocks to the NHS, which have been redistributed to frontline services and staff who need it most. However, demand is increasing.

Alex Walker, NHS East Lancashire CCG’s Director of Commissioning said:

We are keen to hear from local businesses that may have unused stock of personal protective equipment that they usually use in their business but currently are not using.  Personal protective equipment includes items such as face masks that cover the mouth and nose, ​eye goggles, gloves and gowns.

We are also keen to hear from businesses, organisations or individuals who have access to and are able to use 3D printers to produce visors to contact us so that we can arrange safe drop-off or collection for redistribution.

Businesses that could be able to help are engineering and manufacturing businesses, vets, hairdressers, painters, decorators and cleaning businesses.

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult & Prevention Services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, added:

We’ve got such strong community spirit in Blackburn with Darwen and have already seen some amazing acts of generosity from businesses.

By donating their unwanted PPE stocks, businesses will be helping NHS and social care staff continue to do their jobs safely, caring for vulnerable people who need support the most at this difficult time.

Blackburn with Darwen businesses who can donate quantities of PPE – no matter how big or small – should contact the Council’s procurement team on procurement@blackburn.gov.uk or 01254 585248.