THE WEST Midlands mayor has called for businesses in the region to help contribute vital protective equipment for NHS and other key workers in the coronavirus crisis.
Andy Street, who avoided contesting his post this year as mayoral elections are suspended, said emergency workers will be supplied personal protective equipment by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Mr Street said: “The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced in decades. I hear regularly from businesses that they would like to do more in the fight against coronavirus.
“They can do this by stepping forward to supply the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) the West Midlands needs.
“On a daily basis I am hearing from front-line organisations across the region that unfulfilled demand for PPE is the biggest challenge facing those who have to care for our health, our food and the other essential services we rely on.
“For this reason the West Midlands Combined Authority and partners have decided to facilitate the procurement, supply and distribution of additional PPE in our region. We are asking for your help in procuring essential medical grade PPE for front-line staff, care providers, social workers, refuse collectors, transport staff, volunteers and others who are delivering key services right across our region.
“Our ask of you is to help our region with either supply from existing stock or production of the following medical grade equipment: Type IIR/FFP2/FFP3 Facemasks
Disposable sleeveless aprons
Disposable aprons with sleeves
Disposable Nitrile gloves
Goggles/Visors
Hand sanitiser
“Manufacturers and suppliers can register their interest [email protected] with your company details.
“We appreciate that there will be a strong desire to support this important appeal. Due to limited resource, we ask that you only contact us if you fall into one of the above categories. We are not able to engage with businesses that could potentially source PPE through third party suppliers or private individuals producing elements of PPE themselves at this time.
“These vital supplies can then, as required, be procured and allocated across the West Midlands, to ensure they get to where they are needed most, as quickly as possible.
“Please help us in securing as many supplies as possible for the region by helping directly where possible and by sharing this message through your networks and contacts.
“As we have in history, I know that the West Midlands can once again help those in need of protection.”
