Hyslop Welcomes Delivery of Critical PPE Supplies
Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the delivery over the weekend of critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Scotland. The cargo which included around 10 million face masks as well as infusion pumps for Intensive Care Units and virus collecting kits for use in health laboratories, landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport from China on Saturday morning.
Fiona commented,
“This delivery is very welcome news. As Economy Secretary in the Scottish Government I have been supporting the work to help repurpose the private sector to help deal with the supply demands of the NHS and care sector
“I am very aware that Scottish Trade and Investment Minister, Ivan McKee, has also been working at pace with the NHS and manufacturers both in Scotland and internationally to improve and increase the supply of PPE.
“It is this type of dedicated 24/7 partnership working that is allowing the Scottish Government to source and supply the PPE that Scotland needs to fight COVID-19.
“I would also reiterate the First Minister’s calls for any staff with concerns over PPE or who feel they do not have the equipment they need to contact the designated email address: covid-19-health-PPE@gov.scot “
ENDS
Background
NHS National Procurement supported by a cross-government team led by the Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation and including the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, NHS Scotland and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland has helped to secure this equipment from suppliers in China.
Masks are Type IIR which are fluid resistant. They will be distributed across health and social care settings. The Virus Collection and Transport Medium (VTM) Kits will be for use within health board laboratories.
Over the last five to seven weeks, around 50 million PPE items have been delivered to hospitals.
Eight weeks’ supply of PPE was delivered to GPs in Scotland during the week of 30 March.
On 10 April the Scottish Government issued a joint statement with the unions and COSLA that explains the position on PPE in social care.
Updated guidance on PPE for health and social care workers was published on 2 April.
Email address for people to contact if they do not have the PPE they need: covid-19-health-PPE@gov.scot