INDUSTRIAL-strength masks and goggles have been donated to the NHS as part of a nationwide drive to keep medics safe.

Steel stockholder and supplier, Lemon Groundwork Solutions, in Wickford, will be donating 800 masks to Basildon Hospital in the hope that some of the NHS staff will be able to protect themselves and others.

The pallet of P3 masks are used for welding to protect from metal fumes as well as filtering out at least 95 per cent of airborne particles.

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Paul Hart, managing director at the company, said: “It’s a tough time at the moment but people seem to really be pulling together now.

“We have had this pallet of masks for about a year now as we now have to use air-fed masks.

“We thought what better way to put them to use than give them to staff at Basildon Hospital.

“We are just waiting for them to let us know when we can deliver them.”

The company is still running despite the pandemic, with most staff working from home and a small number of staff in the warehouse.

Mr Hart, added: “Mostly all construction companies will have some sort of PPE stacked up in warehouses.”

Students of Basildon Academies have also been getting involved with showing support to our NHS by starting up their #BAKindness campaign.

As part of their campaign to come out with ways to help our frontline workers, the school donated 50 sets of science goggles and other equipment to Basildon Hospital.

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Gary Smith, headteacher, said: “We are currently open for those with key worker parents or carers that are able to access school at this difficult time.

“On Friday our students launched #BAKindness to promote and support our NHS. The idea to donate our PPE - goggles, gloves and aprons - to Basildon Hospital came from our students. Our students then audited the equipment and packaged it ready for delivery.

“We delivered 50 sets of goggles on Friday and a further 390 today, along with gloves and aprons.

“Our students have a also made thank you cards for staff at Basildon Hospital. I am immensely proud of our students and staff, it has been a real team effort and we happy to be able to do our bit to support our amazing NHS.”

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The Health Care Supply Association has urged hardware stores to come forward in a bid to meet desperate demands for protective equipment.

The body, which represents those working in hospital supplies, tweeted on March 22: “If any DIY stores want to help at this time then donating supplies of visors and glasses will greatly help NHS staff. We have trusts who for various reasons are running short - contact your local trust.”