PPE supply chains needed
Amid a chronic global shortage, new distribution chains for coronavirus protective equipment are being set up by the Ministry of Health.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn by those entering the room of or providing care to those infected with Covid-19. That includes a medical mask, gloves, eye shield and a gown, according to World Health Organisation guidelines.
The Government says New Zealand has enough of the gear, but the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has warned nurses are having to deal with potential Covid-19 cases without PPE – which could cause ‘‘many unnecessary deaths.’’
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners medical director, Dr Bryan Betty, said he had heard anecdotal evidence of PPE shortages.
He said the Ministry of Health worked through the 23 district health boards to supply PPE.
‘‘We are hearing of some variability. It’s very hard to get a fix on it,’’ he said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister David Clark on Friday said 640,000 masks – two weeks’ supply – from the country’s reserve stocks were being released to DHBs while local production was being ramped up.
A further 4 million masks would be released to the health sector in coming weeks, and another 4 million to essential workers outside the health sector.
There are 9m P2 masks, which filter fine particles, and 9m general purpose masks in the national reserve.
But director-general of public health Dr Ashley Bloomfield told RNZ new supply chains were needed because of unprecedented demand.
That came after a major gown supplier reported it would run out of stock this week if demand continued.
‘‘This is not something our distribution chains usually do so we are working very hard to get those new distribution chains in place,’’ Bloomfield said.