Assurances over PPE for Fife care home workers

The local health and social care partnership has been working closely with Fife Council procurement service and National Services Scotland (NSS) to ensure PPE is secured and delivered.

The partnership, which manages seven care homes directly and works with 68 independent care home providers across the Kingdom, is receiving deliveries of PPE for staff.

In addition, NSS is making a direct distribution of PPE to all independent and local authority adult care homes, ensuring all care homes have stock to last for one week.

Nicky Connor, director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “PPE supply and distribution is monitored very closely every day.

“We recognise concerns have been raised regarding the availability and usage of PPE in the care home setting.

“I can assure everyone that the issue of PPE is of the highest priority, as is protecting our staff and the people they care for.

“We are following and implementing the national guidance which has been issued to meet the demands of the coronavirus outbreak”.

“Through the NSS Triage Contact Centre, PPE has been provided to the independent providers and Fife HSCP Care Homes.

“Staff have access to the PPE required to protect themselves and the people they care for.

“When needed we are also supporting our partners in the independent sector, including providing urgent PPE and guidance.”

She added: “This is a challenging time for everyone particularly for those working in health and social care.

“Huge efforts are being made by all our key workers.

“The management and distribution of PPE is a priority for staff at every level and we are incredibly grateful for the support we are receiving from members of the public, politicians and our partners.

“This mutual support is key, at this time as we all pull together.”