PROTECTIVE equipment such as goggles and visors should be sent from empty schools to healthcare workers dealing the coronavirus pandemic, Scottish Labour has said.
The party's health spokeswoman Monica Lennon highlighted two schools that have donated their classroom personal protective equipment (PPE) to NHS staff and pharmacy workers.
Larbert High and Denny High have donated goggles and visors to people working in the health sector.
Lennon said it pointed to a national shortage and called for a nationwide effort to make sure PPE in schools is available for front-line staff.
The Central Scotland MSP said: "PPE shortages are a big concern and it's heartwarming to see teachers and local businesses coming together to donate and make supplies for those on the front-line who face the greatest risk.
"Larbert and Denny High Schools are leading the way by getting science goggles out of locked-down classrooms and into the hands of healthcare staff who are leading the charge against coronavirus.
"It's satisfying to know that school supplies are reaching the front line instead of sitting in empty classrooms."
She added: "Ultimately, the buck stops with the Scottish Government to ensure our front-line workers are not put in danger because of PPE shortages.
"Furthermore, ministers should follow the example set by teachers and ensure, on a nationwide basis, that safety equipment in schools is made available to NHS and frontline workers who need it."
Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said making sure front-line medics have appropriate PPE had the "highest priority", while acknowledging distribution would be an ongoing challenge.
She said: "There are challenges here. There will at times be challenges of supply, distribution will be a continuous challenge.
"We are adding logistical support so we can streamline and make this as quick and as bureaucracy-free for those working and caring for patients on the front line.
"But I don't want any healthcare worker out there to be under any other impression than this is something we attach the highest priority to."
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