News | Thursday, 2nd April 2020

Coronavirus: Vital protective equipment to be donated to NHS frontline staff

Spare gloves, overalls and overshoes will be given to hospital workers

Manchester Metropolitan University has joined in the efforts to supply important personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Academics from the University’s Department of Natural Sciences have donated boxes of gloves, overshoes and protective suits to NHS hospital staff.

Beverly Richardson, Crime Scene Tutor at the University, said: “As a department, we have tried to relocate as much equipment and consumables as possible to either Greater Manchester Police or the NHS.

“We are seeing a national shortage of PPE and we must, where possible, pool resources and protect those on the ground of this pandemic.

“There have been numerous requests for universities and businesses alike to donate PPE, particularly those with specialist crime scene and forensics equipment, and as a University we are proud to be able to answer this call and contribute our supplies.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been growing concern around the shortages of PPE, including surgical masks, visors, gloves, disposable aprons and goggles.

There have been multiple call outs at both local and national level for donations of equipment or support in manufacturing kit to help shield workers from the deadly virus. See how the University’s PrintCity is helping create these products. 

Professor Liz Price, Head of the Department of Natural Science, added: “I am extremely proud of the fast and generous response from my team during this crucial and challenging time.

“We are extremely grateful for the work being done by our frontline workers, and we hope this donation will help to protect and support them as they continue to put themselves on the line for the benefit of others.  

“Donating this equipment is just one way in which we as University are able to aid the efforts of this ongoing battle, as we now work to find ways in which we can continue to make a meaningful contribution.

“As a University we have always done our utmost to support our local community, partners and the wider public. Whether it is through our ground-breaking research, specialist expertise or acclaimed teaching.

“But now, these efforts are more important than ever.”