NHS workers must have the right equipment

Now is not the time for political point-scoring - we must be doing everything in our power to save lives.

That’s why we need to talk about Brexit.

It has come to light that the government missed the offer from Europe to participate in the joint procurement schemes for urgently needed medical supplies like ventilators, overalls and masks.

I am pleased to hear ministers have begun talks with the EU but it is not enough.

Our selfless NHS staff urgently need this equipment to care for us and safeguard themselves. We should be working with Europe’s Early Warning and Response System for disease control across borders.

The UK withdrew from EWRS this year, despite warnings from the NHS that this would make it harder to tackle a pandemic. That’s why I’m supporting Best for Britain’s campaign to extend the Brexit transition period until after we have dealt with the coronavirus.

With heroes in the NHS working tirelessly to save us, we should do our part to ensure they have the equipment and international support they need.

So how do we thank the essential workers who remain out in the world, exposing themselves to greater risk of contracting the coronavirus, so that we can buy our groceries, receive our mail, travel by public transportation and get health care if we need it? Simply by being polite and accepting that there are restrictions on all of us that need to be complied with. In addition, there is a totally unknown army of volunteers, neighbours and friends that are caring for society as a whole. Their work and generosity is essential, guiding, supporting and helping those who need attention beyond our own. As unpaid volunteers, the status of their work is not where it should be, with no or minimal rewards. We want to thank you for your patience, hard work and good intentions. Remember that many families are grateful that you exist.

We are in difficult and challenging times that is not going to end soon. All of you providing support for others deserve appreciation.

Cllrs Gary Etheridge, Elizabeth Turpin and John Williams