A new helpline to get supplies of protective gear to the social care sector has fielded more than 1,000 calls in just four days.

A spokesperson for NHS National Services Scotland, the organisation in charge of the hotline, told healthandcare.scot 300 orders for a total of more than 350,000 pieces of kit had been placed.

“The national PPE triage service for social care can be accessed at support@socialcare-nhs.info or by phone on 0300 303 3020,” they said.

healthandcare.scot revealed last week the Scottish government was getting the NHS to deliver stocks of PPE to care sector workers amid widespread shortages via commercial routes. The system went live last week but the number was not published publicly.

But care homes have voiced concerns they will not get anything until they have an active covid-19 case – which could be too late.

A spokesperson for NHS National Services Scotland said:

 “We fully recognise the vital role the social care sector is playing and the challenges it faces.

“NSS is working in partnership with Scottish Government to ensure the continued supply of PPE. We are making considerable progess, despite a backdrop of unprecedented global demand and major supply chain disruption.”

More information about the triage system can be accessed online.

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