Sunderland care provider's urgent plea for plastic gloves and aprons

Allied Healthcare, which employs around 100 carers across Sunderland, is willing to buy supplies of both items from wholesalers or any school, college or business who may have spares following the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

The care provider, which undertakes home care for the elderly on behalf of Sunderland City Council and is one of the largest such organisations nationwide, insists that the services it provides will not be disrupted.

But delays to its existing orders – triggered by increased demand for both gloves and aprons nationwide because of the coronavirus pandemic – means there is a potential danger that it could run out in about a week.

Allied Healthcare Sunderland branch manager Mariam Bibi said: “We will get them somehow and the council helping us by looking for supplies for us as well.

“But we are planning in advance to ensure that we have enough supplies to carry on as we normally do with all our staff wearing the correct PPE equipment.

“Anyone who can help us would be appreciated.

“Perhaps there are schools, colleges or businesses out there who have them who do not need them as urgently as we do because of the pandemic? If so I would urge them to please get in touch.”

Mrs Bibi said anyone who can help should contact her at Allied Healthcare, which is based at Sunderland Enterprise Park, by ringing (0191) 3874477.