Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford received reassurance on PPE supplies from the Scottish Government on Friday, during a virtual members’ question time.
The protection of those on the frontline, including emergency service personnel, NHS staff and health and social care workers, remains a top priority for the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman.
The Scottish Government currently maintains several work-streams to ensure the safe delivery and distribution of vital protective equipment. The NHS Scotland stockpile is boosted by timely orders from suppliers, and supplemented via agreed UK-wide procurement. PPE procurement in the social sector will also be topped up through the Scottish Government.
Distribution of PPE equipment remains every bit as vital as the supply itself. Through healthboards, primary care professionals, dedicated distributions hubs, and in some cases direct delivery to care homes, Mr Crawford was assured the Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to support healthcare staff in the fight against coronavirus.
Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:
“This unprecedented global pandemic has called for an unprecedented response by national and local government. The safety and wellbeing of our frontline workers here in Stirling, from NHS Forth Valley right through to care in the community, relies on the timely provision of PPE – Personal Protective Equipment.
“A number of people have raised this matter with me locally and I’m grateful for the level of detail that the Health Secretary went into when I raised this issue during our virtual Q and A. I know the Scottish Government and local authorities are working round the clock to address this issue in order to make sure everyone has access to the PPE that they need.
I have also raised this matter with Stirling Council who I know are working hard alongside colleagues from the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership, to ensure frontline workers receive the PPE they need.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the hard-work and dedication shown by healthcare professionals, emergency service workers and the third-sector here in Stirling. They have been superb in their response to this deadly virus, and in their selfless approach to looking after Stirling’s communities.”
A record of the full session can be found here: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12607&i=113992
