Businesses are being asked to help support the NHS and council care systems across Swindon and Wiltshire by donating personal protective equipment during the coronavirus emergency.

A call-to-action from Swindon and Wiltshire Councils and the region's Clinical Commissioning Group is urging PPE suppliers and companies with surplus stock to help frontline health and social care workers.

To cope with unprecedented demand and treat patients safely, they need face masks, goggles, alcohol-based hand sanitisers, liquid soap, paper towels, medical-style disinfectant wipes, disposable plastic aprons and latex or nitrile gloves.

In addition, there is an urgent need for clear Perspex sheets that can be installed to create a protective barrier for non-clinical staff who regularly come in to contact with patients, such as those in working in GP practices and non-emergency transport teams.

Chief executive of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Clinical Commissioning Group Tracey Cox said: "There is a national supply of personal protective equipment coming through, and we are working hard to get it flowing into every setting within our local health and care system.

"However, we are facing unprecedented challenges so are joining forces with colleagues from across the region to call on any business that might be able to help us secure an additional supply of PPE for our teams working tirelessly to care for patients.”

Coun Brian Ford, cabinet member for adults and health at Swindon Borough Council, said: “It is crucial that hard working and dedicated health and social care staff have the equipment and resources they need.

“As a short-term measure, we are asking local businesses for support in providing such equipment so that our colleagues can to continue to support our most vulnerable residents, as well as ensuring we can deliver critical services at this challenging time.”

Business owners who are unsure whether their equipment is suitable for use are still strongly encouraged to make contact and receive advice.

Any business that can help should send an email to bswccg.ppe.covid@nhs.net.