Unacceptable Frontline Staff Have To Work With PPE Fear And Uncertainty

Responding to the PPE survey by the Royal College of Physicians, Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, said:

“This survey is based on a self-selecting sample so we need to be cautious in interpreting the results. But the 2,129 doctors responding with concerns shows that the PPE issue has not by any means been resolved although our members are reporting there are some signs of improvement in some areas.

“It is also clear that confidence among clinical staff has been shaken and the government needs to act to restore that with accurate and measured statements about supply and how it can be improved.

“We must also make clear that as well as hospitals, there are PPE supply issues in care homes, GP and community services. At local level health leaders are doing everything they can to cope with many examples of mutual aid and local sourcing of supplies. We must get this right and get it right soon – it is quite unacceptable that frontline staff should have to work with fear and uncertainty about the equipment they’ll receive.”