Appeal for PPE cash to help NHS staff

AN online crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise funds that will buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical teams across Scotland.

The Masks For Scotland crowdfunder will use 100 per cent of money raised to help staff working on the frontline to tackle the coronavirus pandemic such as intensive care units, GPS, community nurses and ambulance staff.

Scottish actors Alan Cumming and Joanna Vanderham have made videos on the site encouraging others to donate, with £15 buying a gown a mask and visor while £100 “protects six medical staff a day”.

Professor Jill Belch, based at the University of Dundee, brought together the appeal.

She said: “We think the peak will hit in two-three weeks and, with a 10-day run-in period to send the equipment, time is very, very short.

“We are asking people to give now, today, so we can buy the equipment at the beginning of next week and get the equipment here to Scotland as soon as logistically possible.

“The coronavirus epidemic is reaching its peak. We need those who will look after us, to be fit and well, and to be protected.”