Local councillor blasts Highland Council over ban on staff making PPE
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Kirsteen Currie, Highland councillor for North, West and Central Sutherland has today voiced her frustration and anger over the Highland Council's policy to "ban" schools from using school equipment to create PPE for frontline workers.
The policy, which Cllr Currie learned of on BBC Radio Scotland's "Good Morning Scotland" programme, appears to suggest that Highland Council have banned teachers and staff from creating items such as headbands for health and social workers who require protection from particles of Covid-19.
Speaking today Kirsteen said: "I'm absolutely shocked that the council have taken this decision, particularly when this weekend has brought the very worrying news that there has been an outbreak of the virus in a care home on Skye.
"It is vital that we get the best possible protection to all front-line workers, the efforts from many Highland Council employees in creating shields were so warmly welcomed, it's madness and totally unjustified to tell them to stop; branding it as a 'ban' is even more condescending to our caring staff who just wanted to offer practical help.
"There are many examples of Scottish Government agencies who are re-purposing their PPE, or even creating 3D printed items such as in the case of Historic Environment Scotland.
"Most frustrating is that I had to find this policy out through a Radio Scotland news bulletin. The "Gold Group" appear to be taken decisions with little or no cognisance of the impact that their decisions are having and with no input from elected members outwith the leadership circle.
"Democracy is another casualty in the Highlands from Covid-19."
A spokesperson for Highland Council told us: “We understand that many people in the community, including in schools, want to help in the COVID-19 response and we welcome this support. However, to protect its staff, Highland Council will only accept and use PPE supplies to recommended industry standards which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations or produced in line with the Scottish Government guidance announced today.
"The Scottish Government’s guidance issued this week states: 'Clearly, any supplies accepted into use across the health and social care system, and for wider key workers, must meet certain quality and safety standards. And with so many offers coming forward, it’s important to prioritise those offers first that will contribute to existing stocks the most.'
“It is therefore not appropriate for schools to use council resources to manufacture PPE, particularly when we have been assured by NHS Highland that there are sufficient levels of PPE to meet the demand. There are strict recommended industry standards which items must meet in accordance with PPE regulation.
“There is specific Scottish Government guidance available online for those who wish to help in the production of PPE - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-coordinating-offers-of-help-from-businesses/
