UNISON has welcomed the announcement from the Welsh Health Minister about the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and social care workers in the fight against COVID-19.

The trade union had previously issued a call with the Wales TUC and campaign group C19 Political Action Wales, on a number of key issues, including to urgently supply PPE for all NHS staff and carers.

Tanya Palmer, UNISON Cymru Wales secretary, said: “We welcome the Health Minister’s announcement today. UNISON has been in ongoing discussion to ensure there is a sufficient supply of appropriate PPE to frontline healthcare workers across both the NHS and social care sector.

“In this crisis, it is more important than ever that our frontline workers are adequately protected from this disease. These measures are not only for the direct protection of the workforce, but to slow the spread of the virus as much as possible.

“PPE rightly provides protection to the nurses, carers, cleaners, and other health workers, but it also protects those accessing care and the local community.

“It is now crucial that the guidance about the appropriate use of PPE is followed by all to ensure there is an adequate supply to those in demand of this life-saving equipment.”