VOLUNTARY not-for-profit group, Heroes-Aid, is arranging the distribution of approximately 35,000 pieces of PPE to frontline workers at 54 sites around Ireland, including those working in non-governmental organizations.
The group will deliver 1250 face masks, 30 gowns, 50 visors, and 300 high specification FFP2 face masks to frontline healthcare staff working in Limerick.
Recipients include NGOs such as: Enable Ireland, Safetynet Primary Care, The National Virus Reference Laboratory at UCD, Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Early Intervention services in Galway, and Merchants Quay Ireland.
Mary Leahy, CEO of Heroes-Aid said PPE forms “main barrier between healthcare workers and Covid-19” calling the equipment a “vital resource”.
Ms Leahy said, “We have seen high numbers of cases of Covid-19 in healthcare workers around the country, and it remains a prevalent threat to workers in the sector.
“Unbeknownst to many, NGOs provide drop-in healthcare services to vulnerable members of society, including those who cannot present themselves to traditional, mainstream healthcare services.
“It is important that healthcare and social care workers in NGO settings are not overlooked and are fully equipped with PPE in order to care for their patients and clients.”
Since it was founded, Heroes-Aid has utilised more than €260,000 in donations from members of the public to supply Ireland’s frontline workers with over 500,000 pieces of PPE.
Following this delivery, the organisation will continue to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic situation, with a view to determining how it can best support Ireland’s frontline healthcare heroes moving forward.
Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail, Medical Director of Heroes-Aid said the estimated cost of fully outfitting a frontline worker in full PPE is “on average between 13 to 15 Euro”.
“A frontline worker will then go through different items of PPE multiple times, every day.
“The health care organisations and frontline workers that are receiving this equipment are carrying out vital work to support their communities and those under their care, and we hope that it will enable them to work comfortably and safely.”
The goal of Heroes-Aid is to raise funds to provide practical supports, such as essential PPE and other resources to keep Ireland’s healthcare heroes safe as they care for us. The voluntary organisation also intends to provide longer-term psychological, educational and practical support for frontline healthcare workers, their children and families who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.
