Protecting our key workers

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working around the clock to make sure its frontline workers are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Council is doing everything it can to help source the crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safeguard public sector workers and help support our independent care providers, dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Councillor Val Armstrong adds “We are lobbying Government to do more and we are also looking at innovative ways to make sure our stockpiles are supplemented. We are working with key partners, including the University of Chester, procuring bulk orders in partnership with Cheshire East Council, and have received a generous donation of medical masks from the province of Fujian in China. 

“Our frontline workers are doing an incredible job caring for residents who are sick or vulnerable. We need masks and other equipment to protect our frontline staff, who still need to carry out face-to-face contact with residents, who may be displaying symptoms of COVID-19. 

“We are providing our key services with advice and guidance on what equipment to use and how best to use it.  We also want to ensure our staff in care homes have the correct equipment to protect them from falling ill and continue to carry out their vital role, caring for the most vulnerable. We understand there are many local registered care providers, who are struggling to access PPE and we want to assist them, wherever we can, in caring for our most vulnerable residents.”

The Council is also appealing to local businesses across the borough to donate appropriate and unused PPE. If you are able to donate PPE, please contact publichealth@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

A dedicated response for people living in west Cheshire has launched this week to support those vulnerable groups at higher risk from serious complications as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.  The dedicated helpline provides advice and support, and where necessary can make arrangements for food, medicines and social contact. Residents can telephone 0300 123 7031. The line is open every day, 8am-7pm. You can also email us: enquiries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

For more information on Council actions and initiatives, please visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus