The council would like to thank residents, schools and businesses for their generous donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for its social care workforce.
Local people and organisations have shown their support for care workers after a call went out to assist local efforts in tackling coronavirus.
Warrington’s front-line care staff, who are continuing to provide an invaluable service to the town’s frail and most vulnerable during the outbreak, desperately need equipment that protects them from contracting the virus.
With high demand for PPE, the council appealed for support from local PPE suppliers and any residents, schools or businesses that had stock which could be used.
Warrington didn’t disappoint – in just a few days stocks, which far exceeded expectations, had been provided. Donations, so far, have come from Warrington residents, Lymm High School, Express Tyres, Colas Ltd, Sellafield Ltd, Penketh High School, Quintessential Brands, Unilever, Cavendish Nuclear, UTC Warrington, Travis Perkins, 3 Pugs Gin, Sir Thomas Boteler High School, Beamont Collegiate Academy, Smile Centre, Duerr’s, Actiken Ltd, and Grappenhall, Culcheth, Penketh and Dudlow Green Vets.
The donated items are being split, based on demand and pressures, across all social care services, and we are supporting our care homes and providers with emergency stock where possible.
Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has been so generous and donated vital PPE to support our efforts in tackling the virus, and helping to keep our staff and most vulnerable residents as safe as possible.
“National supply chains have been under immense pressure and, although we are now receiving some limited deliveries of stock, we are grateful for this generous local response. I would like to ask that this support continues if anyone has any stock available that they can donate, so we can ensure that our key workers can continue to deliver these critical services to the community.
“This is a fantastic example of community spirit and the strong business connections we have in Warrington, where everyone has pulled together to make a real difference at this challenging time.”
Items still needed are:
- Disposable aprons
- Disposable gloves
- Protective face masks
- Protective eye goggles
- Hand sanitiser gel
Donations can be made at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub or Warrington Town Hall, between 9.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday. For more information about donating essential items, please visit warrington.gov.uk/how-donate-ppe-coronavirus-update.
Cllr Rebecca Knowles, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Now more than ever the system is relying on care workers, both in the NHS and in social care, to be able to continue providing crucial support to our most vulnerable people. I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have donated PPE, which has helped to protect our frontline workers.
“The health and safety of our care workers is vital to allow them to continue working, and I have incredible respect for the hard work and dedication they have shown in helping others through this pandemic. It is vital that carers are appropriately equipped, so they can continue to protect and serve their communities.”
For the latest information on coronavirus in Warrington, please visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus.
