Warrington’s front-line care staff, who are continuing to provide an invaluable service to the town’s frail and most vulnerable amongst the coronavirus outbreak, are running desperately low on equipment that can help protect them from contracting the virus.

The health and social care sector in Warrington is struggling to obtain enough PPE supplies for its staff to deliver care safely. The risks of Warrington’s care workers contracting the virus and passing it on to their own families and other elderly and vulnerable people is increasing each day.

The council is therefore issuing a plea to communities and businesses for donations.

Professions who could support include:

• Dentists
• Vets
• Hazardous industries, e.g. asbestos removal
• Health and beauty

Donations urgently needed are:

• Disposable aprons
• Disposable gloves
• Protective face masks
• Protective eye goggles
• Hand sanitiser gel

Cllr Russ Bowden, Leader of the Council, said: “We were promised sufficient PPE for our heroic care workers two weeks ago. Receiving this PPE has lagged behind the national announcement and we are now faced with the grim reality of putting our care workers at greater risk by not being able to supply them with adequate equipment. It is our legal responsibility and moral duty to ensure that staff and residents are properly protected.

“We shouldn’t have to make this desperate plea for donations of any disposable aprons, gloves or masks but we have no choice. The only other option would be to withdraw our care workers from the front line, but I fear this would have disastrous consequences.”.”

Cllr Rebecca Knowles, cabinet member for adult social care, added: “Now more than ever the system is relying on care workers, both in the NHS and in local government, to be able to continue providing valuable support to our most vulnerable. Make no mistake - they are absolute heroes, and I have incredible respect for the work they are doing. For me this is very straightforward: we need to pull together as a town because they deserve to know they can go into work and be as protected as possible.

“That’s why any donations of equipment you can give us would be very gratefully received.”

For more information about Warrington’s response to coronavirus, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus