Millions of lifesaving Personal Protective Equipment has been processed and delivered by Brigade staff to health and care workers combating COVID-19 across the capital.
The Brigade and military have played integral roles in getting this vital equipment into the hands of frontline workers in each of the 32 London boroughs and the City of London.
In the capital, the London Fire Brigade has transformed a former Brigade Distribution Centre in South London into the Operation Seacole distribution hub. From this hub they deliver masks, gloves and eye protection to 33 local authority centres and London partners including police services and Transport for London. The Brigade receives orders from the health service, care homes, doctor’s surgeries and mortuaries who need PPE for their staff.
Andy Roe, London Fire Commissioner, said:
“To have processed and delivered 10 million pieces of vital PPE to people working to combat COVID-19 is astounding and a testimony to the hard work of our staff.
As well as maintaining a full emergency fire and rescue service, staff across the Brigade have stepped up to help vulnerable Londoners, prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assist our emergency and health partners.
“Throughout our 150 year history, London Fire Brigade has played a key role in times of crisis and this is the same today. I’m extremely proud of our staff who are going above and beyond to protect the capital.”
The emergency PPE is procured both internationally and domestically through an increasing number of UK firms.
The Strategic Coordination Group was set up by the London Resilience Forum
to coordinate public services’ response to COVID-19 processed and agreed by London’s Strategic Co-ordination Group, the body leading the capital’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Once agreed they are loaded onto a range of Brigade vehicles and distributed across the capital.
Eleanor Kelly, Deputy Chair of London’s Strategic Coordination Group, said:
"We have brought together London’s emergency services, local authorities and other critical agencies to tackle the impact of COVID-19 in the capital.
“We have reached this milestone at incredible pace thanks to the dedication and hard work of all our partners.
“There is no telling when this unprecedented demand for PPE will let up, and we will continue the effort against this virus for as long as needed.
"By delivering the most vital equipment to London's frontline staff, together we are protecting key workers and saving lives.”