PPE supply review launched

A review into the Ministry of Health’s distribution of face masks and other protective equipment will be launched by the AuditorGeneral.

Healthcare workers confronting coronavirus have raised issues with the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to them, despite the directorgeneral of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield routinely saying there was ample supply.

The ministry has in recent weeks nationalised the distribution of PPE across district health boards, and the Government on Saturday announced that $200 million would be spent on more supplies.

Yesterday, Auditor-General John Ryan said: ‘‘We will assess the controls over procurement, distribution to district health boards and others, and controls over the stock levels. The ministry has needed to move quickly to address the current needs.

‘‘In particular, it has needed to set up new approaches to national reserves and stock levels, ordering, freight management, distribution, and advice on the appropriate use of PPE.’’

The government’s auditors would not physically inspect PPE stocks, and would not evaluate the ministry’s guidance to healthcare workers on when to use PPE.

The Auditor-General will make recommendations in a report that should be completed in four weeks, and will be publicly released.

Bloomfield said yesterday the ministry was approached by the Auditor-General who sought the review, and he agreed.

‘‘I’m very open to scrutiny and review on what we have done, and any feedback on how that could be done better,’’ he said.

‘‘There is very good distribution of PPE. If any issues arise, then those are looked into. That doesn’t mean on any one day, a DHB will be able to provide all the PPE that a certain provider thinks they need on that day – but that also doesn’t mean there’s a problem with the system.’’

On Saturday, Health Minister David Clark announced $200m would go towards securing an ongoing supply of PPE for health staff and essential workers.