Network Rail workers in North East donate PPE to support the NHS during COVID-19 crisis

Network Rail workers in the North East are supporting the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis by donating spare personal protective equipment (PPE) to staff at Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland.

Members of Network Rail’s Operations team in Newcastle have an important role to play in keeping the railway operating safely and efficiently, so people who cannot work from home, such as doctors and nurses, can use the railway to get to their jobs.

It is also essential that food, medical supplies and fuel can continue to be transported across the country via freight services.

As well as keeping the railway running, Local Operations Manager, Chris Thomas, along with Operations Manager, Mick Hodgson, Mobile Operations Manager, Craig Jackson and Signaller, Jamie Seaton, wanted to do more to support NHS staff in the area.

Jamie approached his colleagues as his wife, Laura Seaton, works as a Nurse Practitioner at Hexham General Hospital.

The team worked together to supply spare PPE and delivered 44 pairs of high-quality safety glasses and 60 bodysuits to Hexham General Hospital.

The PPE is now being used to protect NHS staff who are working on the frontline treating Coronavirus patients.

Network Rail is encouraging more workers to sign up and volunteer their skills where possible to help the NHS.