THE care sector in Cornwall currently has ’between seven and ten days stock of PPE in the system’ says the local authority.
One member of Council staff recently worked through the night taking a 2am phone call, said chief exectutive Kate Kennally, so that 125,000 face masks could be delivered for the day ahead.
Ms Kennally said that this kind of work had become the new normal for Council employees, who have seen their roles change to support communities through the Covid-19 crisis.
Rob Rotchell, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for adults, said the problems with PPE are still his “single biggest concern”.
He said the care sector currently has around seven to 10 days worth of stock in the system and while another 150,000 face masks are set to arrive in Cornwall next week, demand continues to outstrip supply.
One frontline worker employed by a care home in Liskeard told The Cornish Times that the lack of PPE was a huge problem.
’Care homes had a supply, and were promised more, but have now been told by the Council that the supply has run out, and they have to source their own’ she said.
Meanwhile the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that the roll out of the Government’s new online ’Clipper’ ordering system has been delayed, and that supplies of PPE are rapidly dwindling.
’Social care workers and other council service staff continue to risk their lives in keeping essential services going, including supporting our elderly and most vulnerable people, due to a chronic lack of masks, gowns, visors, goggles and other life-saving kit,’ said a spokesperson.
The LGA has called for local resilience forums to be given confirmation of when to extect emergency drops, so that they can plan.
Chairman of the wellbeing board Cllr Ian Hudspeth said: ’Emergency drops have been helpful, but they have been sporadic and inconsistent, with some supplies not always enough to meet local demand. Councils recognise that starting a new supply and distribution system from scratch is a huge undertaking, but we cannot afford any more delays. The Government’s online ordering system needs to be fully operational as soon as possible,’
Councils are continuing to have to appeal to local businesses, manufacturers and other organisations to see if they can help supply unused or produce any new PPE such as gloves, aprons, goggles and masks.