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(News source: published on behalf of Surrey County Council)
Following the government announcement on 17 April 2020 that there is now an extreme shortage of PPE, Surrey County Council is urgently appealing for volunteers to help supply items for Surrey’s frontline workers.
With demand for PPE nationally and globally reaching unprecedented levels, social workers, care home staff, volunteers and others need items such as gowns, aprons and masks which skilled volunteers may be able to assist with, based on a Public Health England standard.
Leader of Surrey County Council, Tim Oliver said: “As a county council we continue to do all we can to source more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline workers to ensure they have the right protection against COVID-19, but there is simply not enough supply coming into the county, indeed nationally, and this situation is now very urgent indeed.
“That is why we are now appealing to the wealth of skilled and talented people across the county – from university students to business owners and seamstresses, who may be able to assist us in producing personal protective equipment, such as gowns and masks.
“This is a time when so many communities are pulling together. I hope the public will hear our call and come to our aid so we can do all we can to protect our frontline workers who are working so tirelessly on our behalf.”
Surrey County Council is stressing that all items will need to be made to a specification outlined by Public Health England. This information will be provided once contact has been made with the county council.
Surrey County Council also still welcomes contact from businesses who are able to support and encourages them to email directly with any offers of support.
Anyone that can help is asked to get in touch as soon as possible to offer their assistance.