The following is an announcement on behalf of DHSC:
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) encourages and urges all Optometrists with an NHS contract to continue registering with HM Government’s PPE Portal to order COVID-19 PPE, free of charge. Infection rates are rising in the UK and winter is approaching. To ensure all primary care providers have a resilient route for getting free COVID-19 PPE, we have increased order limits on the PPE Portal. Eligible providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (the portal was previously an emergency top-up system). The DHSC has partnered with the NHS and the e-commerce industry to develop this service in order to ensure that those on the frontline have what they need. The overriding priority is to protect people and our wider communities, thereby reducing infections and saving lives. We must make sure everyone has the PPE they need so please do play your part in this collective effort.
Register and access the PPE Portal, using your NHS registered email. If you do not have an NHS registered email, for a limited time, there is a more streamlined process for GOS contracting practices to obtain a NHSmail account which requires the completion of an online form.
The DHSC will also be re-inviting practices that are yet to register during the week commencing 12 October. Emails will come from PPE Dedicated Supply Channel (please note this email address does not accept incoming emails): ppe.dedicated.supply.channel@notifications.service.gov.uk
Currently, Optometrists can order Type IIR masks, Aprons, Gloves, Visors and Hand Hygiene to meet their COVID-19 PPE requirements, all free of charge, through the PPE Portal.
The latest guidance on the PPE Portal, including order limits for Optometrists based on daily sight tests conducted, can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Guidance on order limits for Optometrists can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The DHSC will keep order limits under review to make sure these reflect the latest public health guidance, COVID-19 demand modelling, analysis and customer feedback.
Call the customer service team on 0800 876 6802 if you have any questions about using the PPE portal (including, for example, about registration, ordering and if you think you should have been invited but have not been). The team is available from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, to help resolve your queries.