Charities and councils across the East appeal for more PPE

Many organisations in the region are having to buy far more personal protective equipment than they’d anticipated as the coronavirus outbreak puts pressure on our health and care services.

The government says concerns over whether the NHS has enough PPE are being addressed, but charities and councils are among those appealing for help to meet the demand.

• Essex County Council makes urgent appeal for protective equipment to fight Covid-19

In Essex, many businesses have come forward to meet the challenge of providing PPE for councils struggling to get enough for care workers.

Several companies across the East have also been doing their bit to help provide PPE for those who need it.

• Cambridge-based Goodfellow donates PPE materials to companies supporting NHS staff

And the demand on companies to supply PPE isn't easy.

Suppliers Integrity Cleanroom in Bury St Edmunds is being outstripped of its supply. As soon as components arrive, they’re packed up and sent out to healthcare professionals across the region.

Many employees are working increasingly long hours to make sure these essential items are shipped out.

But the equipment doesn’t come without a cost. Two of the region's air ambulance charities are appealing for donations to help pay for the huge amounts of personal protective gear they need.

• Air ambulance charities appeal for donations to fund PPE

Watch Russell Hookey’s full report here: