A VITAL charity is calling for urgent donations of protective equipment to ensure it can continue providing care to patients at home.

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland is in desperate need of disposable gloves, gowns, face masks and hand sanitiser and is appealing to local businesses who are able to help.

It said stock levels are changing on a daily basis and, though it does have some PPE items left, more are still needed, particularly face masks. Without these items the hospice will not be able to provide its much-needed service.

Fiona Stobart, CEO, said: “Thank you to everyone who is supporting Hospice at Home during this period of uncertainty. Our main priority is keeping staff, service users and volunteers as safe as possible and we are constantly reviewing our working plans and procedures. Our nursing service is still in operation; however, some services will continue with telephone support only.

“With the additional restrictions this has caused increasing difficulties for us whether at work or with our families. Separation from extended members of the family or indeed those very close to us is probably the worst of these difficulties. Hospice at Home is continuing to care for patients, and all staff are working very hard to achieve this.”

The hospice has also been hard-hit by the cancellation and postponement fundraising events and local people are being encouraged to support if they can.

The charity needs hand sanitiser containing more than 60 per cent alcohol, non-latex medium gloves and face masks with filters. If you are able to make a PPE donation contact Elizabeth.Edmondson@HHCNL.Cumbria.nhs.uk and collection will be arranged.

The charity would like to thank everyone who has responded to the appeal to date.

Anyone interested in fundraising or volunteering is asked to call 01768 210719.