Thieves who stole the only box of face masks from a doctors' surgery have been urged to return the protective gear.
Church Street Surgery in Kidderminster said it needed the items to be able to keep the practice open, after the box was taken on Tuesday.
Following a social media appeal, the surgery said it had received a number of individual face mask donations - which meant it could still continue to offer services.
The box of protective equipment had been donated by a local dental practice the day before.
West Mercia Police said they were aware of a reported theft.
The force said officers would be visiting the surgery on Wednesday.
After the face masks were stolen, the Church Street Surgery said in a Facebook post: “Could the person who has stolen the only box of masks that we have in the building that were kindly donated by a local dental practice yesterday afternoon please return them to the practice.
“We need to protect our staff to enable us to remain open.”
The surgery later thanked people for their support, after a number of face masks were donated following the theft.
Inspector Dave King, of the Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “My team is aware of the reported theft of face masks from the Church Street surgery in Kidderminster and while not officially reported to us yet, we will be visiting the staff today.
“In these challenging and difficult times, the theft of vital medical equipment is going to add further strain and demand to the health service and the people looking after our welfare.
“While a crime like this is naturally going to upset and concern many in our community who see NHS staff risking their lives every day, the vast majority of people are doing all they can to support each other however they can.”
Additional reporting by PA.
