Fury of frontline staff
Donations of personal protective equipment to frontline medical staff are being binned by
NHS Lanarkshire.
That’s the claim of some workers at Hairmyres Hospital who say health bosses are throwing away donated equipment as it does not meet health and safety standards.
But our source – who has asked not to be named – says the heartfelt donations are “better than nothing”.
The frontline staff member told us that staff still don’t have the right equipment to protect themselves in the fight against COVID-19.
The News were told: “All the PPE we have bought, costing about £1000, we are not allowed to wear.
“Nothing, just what we are given. Because it makes the hospital look bad that everyone is wearing different stuff and it’s causing patients anxiety.
“Well right now my anxiety is through the roof. I had a man with COVID-19 last night who was bleeding out cough blood all over my arms for about 20 minutes.
“But it’s okay – my arms don’t need covered.”
Concerns were raised early on in the pandemic that not enough vital personal protective equipment was available to safeguard frontline staff.
That saw NHS staff fighting against COVID-19 without – in some instances – face masks, eyewear, gloves and other protective items, putting them at
Schools across East Kilbride are helping in the fight against coronavirus by producing personal protective equipment.
The technological and art and design departments at several schools have been making visors, goggles and other equipment to be used by frontline NHS staff.
All equipment is sent to the health board to ensure it meets quality standards before deciding the best place for it to be distributed to.
Chris Sanderson, general manager for procurement at NHS Lanarkshire, thanked schools – which included Calderglen, Duncanrig, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s – for their efforts.
He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the offers of support we have received from the public, local businesses and organisations. On behalf of NHS Lanarkshire, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.
“We are receiving regular stocks of PPE equipment from the NHS Scotland National Distribution Centre. However, if anyone would like to donate any additional equipment, ideally we would appreciate it if they could email our procurement department.”
Schools elsewhere in South Lanarkshire have also been involved, as has Mearns Castle High in East Renfrewshire.
Teachers at the school, which takes in Eaglesham and Waterfoot pupils, have made protective visors.
Calderglen High School headteacher Liz White said the school was“delighted to be supporting the local community,”with her colleague at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s, Fiona Mullen reiterating that.
They delivered protective eyewear to Hairmyres Hospital last week, whilst Duncanrig appealed for more materials to help.
Headteacher, Lyndsay McRoberts, said:“We are keen to support this as much as possible, but we are appealing for donations of clear acetate to help us produce the visors.
“At the moment we only have coloured acetate. If anyone can help please get in touch with the school.”