Free PPE provision extended to March 2023
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has extended the provision of free PPE to adult social care providers until 31 March 2023.
DHSC previously committed to providing free PPE to the sector until 31 March 2022 and launched a consultation in October 2021 on whether to extend this offer for a further year.
“In response to the consultation, and in order to help protect health and care staff while Covid-19 case levels are still high and high PPE usage is still required by infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance, the government has decided to extend the provision of free PPE to the health and care sector to 31 March 2023 or until such time as the UK IPC guidance is withdrawn or significantly amended, whichever is sooner,” it said in a statement.
Care England, the leading representative body for independent providers of adult social care, welcomed the measure.
Care England’s response to the consultation highlighted that free PPE via a centralised mechanism had been an “enormous win” for government and the potential return to a situation similar to March 2020, when there were huge challenges in accessing PPE, would be a retrograde step in the management of the ongoing pandemic.
“The sector is currently contending with a multitude of issues against a backdrop of outbreaks and rising infection levels, so this represents a welcome relief and will provide a real boost for the sector as we learn to live with covid,” said chief executive Martin Green.
“Most importantly, the continuation of free PPE will continue to help better protect some of society’s most vulnerable…but this must be accompanied by further measures, including a comprehensive solution to the ongoing workforce pressures being felt by the sector,” he added.
Other News
Featured Supplier
Alarm Radio Monitoring is the UK's Leading Independent Manufacturer & Installer of Radio Wireless Nurse Call and Staff Attack systems.
We have over 30 years experience and have a dedicated team of staff that deal with all of your pre-sales and after-sales requirements.
Installation is quick and mess free reducing the...
Upcoming Events
NASHiCS - Summer Seminar for Safety & Health in Care Services
The Incora Pavillion, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby DE21 6DA
Tuesday 14th June 2022
Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2022
Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Tuesday 21st June 2022
UK Care Week
NEC, Birmingham
6th - 7th July 2022
The Care Show 2022
National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
Wednesday 12th October - Thursday 13th October 202
Care Roadshows - London
Epsom Downs Racecourse,
18th October 2022
Care Roadshows - Cardiff
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
15th November 2022