Where can I get PPE?
Direct payment employers and informal carers are eligible for free PPE until 31 March 2024 or until stocks from the Department of Health and Social Care are depleted, whichever comes first. Once stocks are depleted, direct payment employers and informal carers will be expected to purchase PPE themselves, in line with the Government’s living with COVID-19 strategy.
To request PPE, please contact the customer services team at the Department of Health & Social Care on 0800 876 6802 between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email the team at [email protected].
PPE Guidance
For guidance on wearing the correct PPE, please refer to this document and read section 1.4 which starts on page 12.
For guidance on managing hygiene, please refer to this document and read sections 1.2 & 1.3 which start on page nine.
For guidance on working safely in domiciliary care, please refer to this document.
User fit testing of PPE
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure all staff who deliver aerosol generating procedures (AGP’s) are trained to wear appropriate PPE, and that it is appropriately fit tested.
FFP3 masks are recommended for use during AGP’s and require a fit test prior to use. Positive pressure hoods may also be used as an alternative and do not require a fit test.
If you need to you may apply for funding to cover the cost of this training for your personal assistants.
If your carers are employed by an agency, the agency is responsible for staff training.
For a list of approved fit testing trainers, please click here.
West Sussex customers can email [email protected] to request fit testing for PAs at their offices in Terminus Road in Chichester. Once testing is complete, PAs will be issued with an initial supply of the relevant mask and a Fit Test Certificate which states the type of mask required. More masks can be ordered by emailing the West Sussex PPE team.
To read government guidance on aerosol generating procedures please refer to this document and read page 34.