Community rallies round

Community efforts to ensure frontline NHS staff have enough safety equipment to see them through the coronavirus outbreak are gathering pace.

Concerns were raised early on in the pandemic that not enough vital personal protective equipment (PPE) was available to safeguard frontline staff.

That saw NHS staff fighting against COVID-19 without – in some instances – face masks, eyewear, gloves and other protective items, putting them at risk.

There have been appeals on social media for to help protect staff at Hairmyres Hospital and places like Kilbryde Hospice where palliative care is being provided.

That saw a successful appeal for PPE from East Kilbride woman, Lorna Jack, who made a plea for help online.

She told the News: “Since the appeal, I’ve collected and received several dozen pairs of protective eyewear which have been delivered to Hairmyres.”

Lorna has also set up a fundraiser on her Facebook page to raise £200 to buy toiletries for patients at Hairmyres who may be running out and have no way of getting new supplies with visiting hours cancelled.

But that has now hit £835, with all donations over £500 gifted to Kilbride Hospice, which rely on donations to operate.

Lorna added: “My concern now is being able to purchase more than three of items like soap, toothpaste etc. because of shopping restrictions.

“At the moment I have 18 bags pre-made with shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and wet wipes. But we need more.

“Any help anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Lorna is appealing for donations of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, combs / brushes, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, flannels and wet wipes.

A donation box has been left at 10 Capel Grove, Calderwood, G74 3DE for people to that wish to help out patients stranded without supplies.

You can also donate towards the fund via https:// tinyurl.com/s524cfs.