Responding to today's Downing Street briefing led by health and social care secretary Matt Hancock, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"It is welcome that the government has responded to calls for adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep health and care staff safe whilst they treat patients seriously ill with COVID-19. The safety of staff is a top priority for trust leaders.

"Since the pandemic began, there have been considerable difficulties around PPE, including accessing particular items such as gowns, and the withdrawal of Tiger Eye goggles. The stockpile in the UK was clearly not fit for a coronavirus pandemic.

"However we recognise that this has been a huge logistical challenge to not only secure kit whilst there is huge global demand, but also operationally to deliver it to the frontline.

"It is good to see progress is being made in signing contracts with suppliers for equipment produced here in the UK, as well as securing 100 new suppliers overseas.

"Trusts have also been playing their part in securing more supplies. For example, there's been an initiative in the north east involving Barbour who have used their factory in South Shields to make gowns for a range of trusts in the surrounding area.

"Additionally it is extremely heartening to see that the number of new COVID-related hospital admissions is at the lowest since the beginning of the virus. We ask that the public continue to practice social distancing to keep protecting our NHS from a potential second wave."