Government launches new online system for free PPE

Care homes and providers working in adult social care are to be given access to free personal protective equipment (PPE) through a new website, the government has announced.

From 4 April 2022, all customers will be automatically redirected to the new PPE Portal from the previous site. The new online PPE platform, which will be managed by NHS Supply Chain, will serve a range of health, care and public sector providers, including adult social care and local authorities.

Last month, it was announced following a public consultation, NHS trusts, primary care and adult social care providers will continue to receive COVID-19 PPE free of charge until 31 March 2023 or until infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance is withdrawn or significantly amended. This is to ensure staff and their patients are protected as we learn to live with COVID-19.

Health Minister Edward Argar said: “We are extending the offer of free PPE to help relieve pressure on the health and care system, working hand in hand with providers to develop a new ordering platform that works best for them.”

The move follows a public consultation, launched in October 2021 to determine whether to extend the central, free provision of PPE.

Over 5,000 responses were received, from a range of people and organisations, including primary and social care providers, community health care services, and PPE wholesalers and suppliers. A total of 95 per cent of respondents were in favour of extending the offer of free PPE.

The PPE Portal will serve a range of health, care and public sector providers, including GPs, adult social care, dentists, orthodontists, community pharmacies, optometrists, children’s social care providers, drug and alcohol services, other government departments, local authorities, independent sector providers who carry out NHS work, and more. This will cover millions of staff, patients, clients and service users, in England.

During the soft launch of the new portal, the Department of Health and Social Care carried out a survey and received 446 responses. A total of 96 per cent of respondents stated they were either ‘very satisfied’ (76 per cent) or ‘satisfied’ (20 per cent) with the new website. Around 97 per cent stated they were either ‘very confident’ (85 per cent) or ‘confident’ (12 per cent) when using the new platform.

Those who have any questions regarding the migration can contact the customer services team on 0800 876 6802, which is available 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week.

Users can also raise queries directly through the new platform.

To access guidance on how to order your PPE, go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ppe-portal-how-to-order-covid-19-personal-protective-equipment#new-ppe-portal