Emergency supplies of 48 million items of personal protection equipment have been secured for care homes across London, it was announced today.
London Councils, which represents the 33 boroughs, plans to spend about £15.5 million on the items over the next 12 weeks amid concerns over the ongoing delay to supplies to protect vulnerable residents.
More than 1,650 London care home residents had died with coronavirus by the start of this month and a similar number from other causes potentially linked to the indirect consequences of the virus, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Today’s announcement — which includes PPE being obtained from within the UK and from countries including China — is believed to be the most significant collaboration between local authorities in procuring PPE. Millions of items have already been delivered by London firefighters.
The items are primarily for care homes, regardless of whether they are council-run, but some supplies may also be made available to schools to help protect teachers and support staff when more pupils return from June 1.
Councils decided to unite on a pan-London basis after being ensured of the viability of the supply chains and the quality of the PPE — unlike the face masks which were six years out of date that were sent by the Government to Birmingham City Council last week.
London Councils says that care homes “continue to face intense pressures”.
Sources said the boroughs decided to look for further supplies after delays to the Government’s national Clipper system, which aimed to establish a centralised PPE hub.
The ordering system was originally due last month but is still not ready.
Ray Puddifoot, responsible for London Councils’ health and care, said: “Boroughs are acting quickly and decisively to boost PPE supplies and ensure equipment gets to those who need it most.”
