Ealing Council leader Julian Bell has today (Sunday, 29 March) made an urgent appeal for PPE equipment to help social care staff look after older and vulnerable residents. 

Ealing, like other boroughs across the capital, have been pressing for vital PPE equipment to be delivered as the coronavirus infection rate increases.  The council leader has raised significant concern about the potential spread of infection in care homes if staff do not get the essential disposable gloves, masks, aprons, eye masks and hand sanitiser they need.  

Councils across London have been pressing for PPE equipment for frontline social care staff to be speeded up to match demand. It is anticipated social care teams in the borough will need 100,000 pairs of gloves every week.

Councillor Bell said: “We are doing everything possible to get this equipment to the front line so we can protect our older and most vulnerable residents, and our care staff, who are doing a tremendous job and on who we rely.

“We received a supply from government on Friday. We are also trying to buy further supplies alongside other West London boroughs.

“We urgently need FFP3 fluid resistant face masks – builders, construction workers, spray paint operatives and nail and beauty technicians may use these. We also need disposable plastic gloves, aprons, eye protection and hand sanitiser. 

“If you are a business, organisation or individual that has this equipment I urge you to donate it to help tackle the spread of this virus. So far, our community has pulled together in an amazing way and I want to thank people for everything they are doing.”

The latest Public Health England figures shows 241 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Ealing.

Any businesses, local organisations or people who have stocks of this equipment are asked to deliver it to council security staff at Greenford Depot Refuse and Recycling Centre, Greenford Road, Greenford, UB6 9AP or the back door of Perceval House, Longfield Avenue, Ealing W5 2HL