Sellafield has donated respirators and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help health and care workers on the frontline of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The initial donation by the Cumbrian nuclear decommissioning company includes 2500 disposable respirators, several hundred pairs of gloves and around 500 suits, gowns and lab coats. The respirators are likely to be used by the NHS once.
The items, which come from Sellafield together with its contractors and suppliers, are being supplied to organisations prioritised by the Cumbria Resilience Forum, which brings together all bodies involved in emergency response across the county.
Sellafield said the equipment can be spared without impacting on nuclear safety or emergency preparedness and more is “likely” to be made available as it develops a better understanding of its own needs.
The PPE would ordinarily be used to support the delivery of work and projects on the Sellafield site, much of which has been temporarily paused amidst the wider response to the pandemic.
The company said it is ‘keen’ to do all that it can to support doctors, nurses and care workers to respond safely.
Mark Neate, director of environment, safety and security at Sellafield, said: “As the largest employer in West Cumbria, we are doing all we can to support the community response to the pandemic.
“It became clear that one of the simplest and most effective things we could do would be to share personal protective equipment. This will enable doctors, nurses and others on the frontline to do their essential work to care for those who are or may be suffering.
“We are working with other key partners and businesses in Cumbria to ensure that our response is coordinated with everyone else’s. This includes the blue light services, councils, and business networks. Working together ensures that resources are prioritised to where there is the greatest need.”
“I am delighted to see how community agencies, businesses and charities are all working together, along with the public, to help address the impact of coronavirus. This is the community spirit we are used to in Cumbria.”