The Armed Forces have started their support work with the NHS in the war against COVID19.
Fifty British Army personnel have begun distributing supplies to NHS staff who are currently working against the disease.
Soldiers have been supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes face masks, protective glasses, plastic gloves and aprons.
Personnel from 101 Logistic Brigade delivered more than 50,000 face masks to St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The equipment was driven overnight to the capital from a depot in Merseyside to meet demand.
Brigadier Phil Prosser, Commander 101 Logistic Brigade, Royal Logistic Corps said: “This is more than just delivering masks – this is a demonstration the British Army is standing side by side with the NHS.
My normal role is to deliver combat supplies to combat forces in time of war – but we can respond to these challenges and it’s great to stand with our NHS colleagues as we get ready for the challenges ahead.”
Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey MP said this delivery is one example of the forces and the health service and how they will “work together over the coming months.”
Over 460 personnel will be ready to deliver the equipment to NHS facilities around England, the MOD added.
Chief Commercial Officer for the NHS, Emily Lawson, said: “We need massively increased, urgent volume of these supplies to the frontline in this exceptional set of circumstances.
We are extremely grateful for the Army’s support in doing so.”
Over 20,000 British Troops are on standby to assist with the Coronavirus relief effort in the coming period.