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

East Lancashire CCG and Blackburn with Darwen Council are appealing to businesses that have stocks of PPE that they aren’t currently using due to the Covid19 pandemic to come forward.

Alex Walker, the 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.”

The CCG and council are particularly keen to hear from engineering and manufacturing businesses, vets, hairdressers, painters, decorators and cleaning businesses.

Sayyed Osman, director of adult and prevention services at the 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.”

To donate PPE to the CCG email pennine.quality@nhs.net or call 01282 644623 or to the council email procurement@blackburn.gov.uk or call 01254 585248.