Stupid question about donating face masks

[Stegasaurusmum]

I know I'm probably being thick, please don't slate me... But we have found a box of unused face masks for spray painting, lots of them, plus I could stitch up fabric ones easily with bits I have at home..they could be washed at 90 and would possibly work.
Could I donate these anywhere?
We've have symptoms here, both kids coughing and me a bit but with a tight chest and very breathless. On day 6 of symptoms now. Once I can get out I'd happily take them somewhere if they were useful but I'm assuming not due to them being the wrong kind/having been here?

You aren’t being thick - I’m not sure either! Why not call your doctors practice and ask their advice?

Does the box have a rating on it? FFP3 is required. & does it have an expiry date?

Hmm... No. Ffp2.
No good then. I'd call the gp but getting through is impossible normally, I don't want to add to workload.
I guess sewing face masks out of cotton or other recommended fabric is no good either?

These would still be better than nothing - what most of them have isn’t even FFP3

Please call them yes!

Send them an email? Put it on social media? The local school made visors for our GP’s this week
They all only have paper masks and some N95’s. Very little FFP3

FFP2 is the equivalent of N95 so very good masks.

I made a similar offer yesterday to my friend who is a consultant in A&E. She said at the moment they are ok (albeit low) and hopefully the army are getting more to them this week but to park the offer since a time may come when they are desperate for more. She said whilst the numbers are increasing its still the calm before the storm for them.

why not ring GP surgery and ask

There was a nurse on good morning Britain about 10:minutes ago saying they are being asked to share masks. Definitely donate if you can.

Our local hospital wouldn't take them as not the correct medical grade. Police and teachers were thankful for whatever they could get, though I've since heard that if you aren't used to wearing a mask, it's likely going to make it worse as you'll be touching your face more often adjusting it etc.

I would take them to my GP practice. They have a pharmacy attached so would hand them over there. FFP2 are better than surgical masks.

We only had 3 In stock from the same profession and have donated them to NHS staff. They only had surgical masks and one knew the PPE equipment she was given had a use by date of 2008
We've also made it very clear on our Facebook page all unused masks have been donated as we've been inundated with people asking the business for them.

OK thanks all I'll phone and ask, just was worried about adding to the call queue and workload.
Fingers crossed.