The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that the offer of free PPE to frontline health and social care staff in England has been extended for another year.

Following a public consultation, launched in October 2021, 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to receive Covid-19 PPE free of charge until 31 March 2023 or until infection prevention control (IPC) guidance is withdrawn or significantly amended.

The government is also developing an improved platform for the procurement of PPE that will be quicker and easier to use. Health and social care providers have been invited to test-drive the new platform and help design a service that works best for them. The new and improved features will enable quick ordering options and status updates.

Health Minister Edward Argar said: “Throughout the pandemic we have taken swift action to secure the PPE health and social care providers need to ensure staff, patients and residents are protected. We are extending the offer of free PPE to help relieve pressure on the health and care system, working hand in hand with providers to develop a new ordering platform that works best for them.”

Following customer testing and trial launch, the new PPE portal will be rolled out to all eligible users from April.