Accessing supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

There is unprecedented, global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK has released its pandemic influenza stockpiles, which included many types of PPE required for tackling COVID-19. New logistics networks – including support from the army – have also been established to manage supply and demand across the UK, and to make sure appropriate PPE reaches those who need it.

Information for NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts

For acute, mental health, community, integrated care and ambulance trusts there is now a PPE dedicated supply channel delivering all core PPE products used for managing and treating patients with COVID-19 such as eye protection, aprons, gloves, gowns, hand sanitiser and masks.

Pallet deliveries are being pushed out on a daily basis by Clipper Logistics. For more information about this service, daily manifests of what is being delivered, and how a customer service team can support enquiries visit the PPE Dedicated Supply Channel.

This supply channel can also help trusts and regional teams access information about how much PPE has been delivered to each hospital, to help facilitate local mutual aid.

Information for primary care

Please visit the COVID-19 primary care section.

Accessing urgent PPE supplies

Due to a significant decrease in emergency orders of PPE during weekends, the National Supply Distribution Response (NSDR) service now operates from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Should healthcare providers experience a shortage of PPE over the weekend, please seek mutual aid with another provider, or for organisations who have registered on the PPE portal, please submit your request via that route.

Other information and resources