North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has provided vital supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to a plea from a Nuneaton hospice. The Mary Ann Evans Hospice, based at the George Eliot hospital, is stepping up its joint operation with the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that people with life-limiting illnesses are not affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.
The college has supplied 5,400 pairs of disposable gloves, more than 3,000 aprons, ten pairs of goggles, 50 pairs of safety glasses and 60 face masks for use by frontline staff. The college uses personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect students in teaching departments including motor vehicle engineering, hairdressing and beauty therapy.
NWSLC remains partially open at its Nuneaton Campus to support the children of keyworkers, and students that are known to be vulnerable.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “Our staff have been quick to respond and have gathered together a great deal of PPE that we would normally use in teaching. We appreciate the importance of the work that the Mary Ann Evans Hospice does to provide 24-hour end-of-life community care and really hope that our contribution will help to keep their teams safe during this time of national crisis.”
The Mary Ann Evans Hospice has launched a JustGiving appeal with the aim of raising £250,000 to fund the improvement of its services during the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition to funds and donations of PPE, the Hospice is looking for craft items that can be sold to raise money. Anyone who is able to help should call 02476 865440 or email maehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk
Liz Hancock, Chief Executive of the Mary Ann Evans Hospice said, “We are delighted with the donation of PPE from the North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College. This vital donation enables our team to continue to work closely with our NHS colleagues to provide the very best community end-of-life care. Every day we are in close communication with our NHS partners and revising and reviewing our joint approaches to care provision to maximise our impact and help where it is needed most. We have prepared as much as possible to be in a position to respond as best we can to the unprecedented increase in demand for our services. Support from our local community, including North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, has been tremendous – thank you everyone.”