Mansfield business leader calls on firms to donate protective equipment to help front-line NHS workers

The new campaign, launched by Martin Ridley MBE, managing director of Sutton-based Lindhurst Engineering, is asking businesses to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) to support NHS staff dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The #ppe4nhs campaign is seeking donations of unused PPE from local businesses, particularly those in the engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors.

He said: “Having worked in engineering and manufacturing for nearly 40 years, I know there will now be cupboards and storerooms in manufacturing, engineering, construction and science-based businesses, full of brand-new PPE. Our NHS desperately needs this PPE and, as a business community, we have a duty to get it to them, if possible, without putting people at risk.”

He said that face masks (FFP2 or FFP3 rated - the rating is marked on each mask), nitrile gloves, visors or goggles, and disposable aprons or overalls, were particularly needed.

“To avoid contact and maintain social distancing, we’ve put a process in place where companies can book a drop off slot and deliver their donations to Lindhurst, at an allocated time without coming into contact with anyone. We will then load up and, at the end of each day, deliver the equipment to the designated NHS point of contact,” Martin added.

To make a donation, e-mail Simon Hawkins at Lindhurst Engineering [email protected] to arrange a delivery time.