The UK government is to establish a parallel supply chain (PSC) with the help of the Army to ensure care providers have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.
Acknowledging capacity constraints in the NHS Supply Care network, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it, the Army, NHS England and Improvement and NHS Supply Care will work together to develop the PSC to support the normal supply chain.
In a letter from chief commercial officer Steve Oldfield, the department said the PSC will improve speed and reliability of delivery of PPE while relieving pressure on the established supply chain to deliver business as usual products.
Until the PSC is fully operational, the department will work to provide stock of PPE equipment to wholesalers and distributors for care homes and other adult social care providers as well as hospices, pharmacies, GPs, and dentists.
The department has meanwhile mobilised the National Supply Disruption Response (NDSR) for providers with an urgent requirement for PPE but have been unable to secure it through their business as usual channels.
The NSDR is available through a 24/7 helpline on 0800 915 9964 and a direct line from overseas on 0191 283 6543.
