HOSPITAL bosses have insisted they do NOT need any donations of personal protective equipment.

Chiefs at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ENSEFT) which runs Colchester Hospital have thanked people who have donated as they continue to battle coronavirus, but say they do not need PPE.

A spokesman said anything worn by medics had to meet rigorous safety standards.

"Thank you so much to everyone in our communities who has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and other donations to our hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic," he said.

"We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity and community spirit.

"Our teams are working hard to keep all our patients and staff safe and we have been able to keep a steady supply of PPE into our Trust.

"We need to make sure that every piece of PPE used by our staff meets strict safety guidelines and, for that reason, we need to work with suppliers who can guarantee NHS standards of safety.

"We are not currently asking for any PPE or scrubs donations.

"We also don’t need fundraising donations for PPE.

"If people would like to fundraise to support us during the pandemic, we ask that donations are made to our Covid-19 Staff Wellbeing Appeal which is supporting our staff’s mental and physical wellbeing.

"Please rest assured that we continue to follow all national Public Health England guidance on how and when PPE should be worn.

"Our teams monitor PPE levels daily to make sure we are aware of any potential shortages and can address them using the NHS supply chain.

"Staff who have queries or concerns about PPE are encouraged to talk to their line manager, the PPE champion working in their area or the Trust’s freedom to speak up guardian."

To donate to the wellbeing fund visit .colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/cv19staffwellbeing.