Manchester using new system to check PPE stock levels

Care homes and GP practices across Greater Manchester are now benefiting from a new situation reporting system to monitor PPE stock levels, staffing availability, infection rates and outbreaks.

The first-of-its-kind reporting system, which is now operating in 540 care homes, allows all ten Greater Manchester councils to share data in one place, creating a visual dashboard to show a clear picture of operational pressures during the coronavirus pandemic. Being used daily, it will enable authorities to identify early signs of instability so swift action can be taken.

The system, launched in urgent dental centres earlier this month, is also live in 445 GP Practices, 681 pharmacies. In the coming weeks, the reporting system will also be rolled out in opticians and supported living centres.

Sir Richard Leese, chair Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “I continue to be incredibly proud of the response in Greater Manchester to this pandemic, from the people volunteering to support our most vulnerable, to the businesses donating much needed PPE.

“The digital response has been no exception - the speed at which this new situation reporting tool is being deployed across our city-region is ground-breaking and is helping us manage this pandemic in a much more coherent and proactive way. Working collaboratively like this allows the Partnership to effectively support local authorities when they are under significant pressures, including redistributing PPE and assisting with infection control.”