The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new PPE website to ensure the continuity of PPE distribution to frontline health and care staff, and other eligible users.

Built on user feedback to improve the experience of those using the site, there is an ongoing migration period from the previous system to the new platform, and from 4 April 2022, all customers will be automatically redirected to the new PPE portal from the previous site. The new platform will be managed by NHS Supply Chain.

A survey found that 96 per cent of respondents stated they were either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the new website. Also, 97 per cent stated they were either ‘very confident’ or ‘confident’ when using the new platform.

Some of the key benefits of the new platform are a more user-friendly site that makes it easier to place orders, view order limits and track deliveries, and, where needed, the capability for responding to and mitigating against evolving situations and potential future health crises.

The PPE portal will serve a range of health, care and public sector providers including GPs, adult social care, dentists, orthodontists, community pharmacies, optometrists, children’s social care providers, drug and alcohol services, other government departments, local authorities, independent sector providers who carry out NHS work, and more. This will cover millions of staff, patients, clients and service users, in England.

NHS trusts, primary care and adult social care providers will continue to receive Covid-19 PPE free of charge until 31 March 2023 or until infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance is withdrawn or significantly amended.