University delivers thousands of PPE items to staff at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Thousands of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been delivered by the University of Derby to medical staff at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust treating patients who have contracted coronavirus.

Goggles, gloves, surgical masks, protective suits and cleaning materials from the University’s Colleges of Life and Natural Sciences and Health and Social Care were delivered to the hospital by University technicians and estates staff.

The equipment would ordinarily have been used by nursing and allied healthcare professions students, as well as those studying biomedical and forensic science, in the University’s labs, simulated NHS wards, immersive simulation suites and other facilities designed to replicate real-life working environments.

Staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital have received PPE from the University’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield, which is also part of the University’s College of Health and Social Care.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “It is vital that we provide whatever help we can to support the amazing medical teams in our hospitals, who are delivering the care and treatment to those who have contracted the virus with outstanding bravery and dedication.

“Donating PPE is just part of the contribution our University of Derby community is making. Hundreds of our second and third year nursing and allied healthcare professions students are already on the frontline, supporting staff in hospitals across the region.

“Our Union of Students has kindly donated food for care packages being put together by the Derby Community Covid Response Hub for vulnerable people living in our city. In addition, many of our staff are volunteering alongside friends and neighbours within their own communities to provide help, support or just reassurance to people who need it.

“It is what a civic university like Derby should be doing at a time of crisis for us all, using the resources, skills and knowledge we have at our disposal to make effective contributions that have a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives.”

Kevin Downs, Executive Director of Finance and Performance at the Trust, said: “Our staff are doing a phenomenal job caring for our patients, so we need to do everything in our powers to keep them safe too during this outbreak. It is absolutely vital that our colleagues are provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to treat our patients, and we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that this is the case.

“Having this kit available for our dedicated staff is essential, so we’d like to thank the University of Derby for their donation and continued support during these unprecedented times. We have been truly humbled to have witnessed the overwhelming show of support we’ve received from the communities we serve.”