POOLE based cosmetics company LUSH donated soap and hand cream to Dorset NHS staff working on the frontline to tackle the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The 1,500 bars of Outback Mate soap bars and 1,500 pots of Helping Hands cream are being distributed to Dorset HealthCare staff across the county working day and night to support patients.

The donations will support the hygiene measures for frontline healthcare staff which are vital to minimise the spread of the virus.

Dawn Dawson, the Trust’s Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality, said: “Thank you LUSH for this fantastic gesture, which will help protect our staff and keep patients safe.

“It’s these small acts of kindness that will create hope for our staff, while helping them to cope at this extremely challenging time.”

LUSH announced that it would be closing all of its stores nationwide on Saturday March 21, however it has continued to sell products on its website.

The company’s factory has continued to make products, as they have been advised by the government’s relevant departments that, given the public health advice for individuals to keep washing their hands, they are seen as an ‘important industry’.

Jason Muller, Global Manufacturing Director at LUSH, added: “The nation is literally in your hands at the moment.

“The only way we could think to say thank you is to try to help you look after those hands.

“We are sending the deepest admiration, respect and love to you all.”