GPS: GIVE US MAKE PEOPLE
BRITAIN’S leading GPS last night accused ministers of not giving them vital equipment they desperately need to fight the virus, such as highgrade masks and protective wear.
They also demanded routine testing of NHS workers and an end to unnecessary paperwork during the battle against coronavirus.
Doctors say they have been issued with aprons, gloves and masks they insist are not of good enough quality to make them feel safe.
They also complained of too much form-filling and other red tape.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the Council of the British Medical Association, said: “GP practices need the right support and the right equipment and at the moment it is very patchy.”
Dr Brian Balmer, who runs the Essex GP Local Medical Committee, said: “There is too much paperwork and monitoring. Thinning of paperwork and bureaucracy is necessary for us to do our jobs.
“GPS have also been sent only basic protective wear, but that is because we shouldn’t see people with coronavirus.we are saving GPS
‘Protective gear is insufficient’
to look after everyone else in the face of this pandemic.”
Dr Susie Bayley, a GP and medical director of the Derbyshire GP Task Force, which aims to support family practice, said: “The personal protective gear we have been sent has been slow to arrive and most feel it is insufficient.
“It is basic – a mask, a pinny and some gloves and not hi-tech. While this is what has been recommended as we are at lower risk than cases treated in hospital, it doesn’t feel reassuring.”
Other doctors called for routine testing among colleagues. Speaking in a personal capacity Dr Kailash Chand, honorary vice president of the BMA said: “My view is that all staff with symptoms should be tested so we are clear what to do.
“There is an urgent need for rapid testing of NHS workers to enable those who are not positive to get back to work dealing with patients as soon as possible.”
At present patients are only tested if hospitalised with severe symptoms.
Dr Nagpaul said: “The NHS has been woefully short of frontline staff for a number of years and so, as we face this pandemic, it is paramount that we do everything we can to support doctors on the front line so they remain healthy and available to care for patients.
“It is essential that doctors – both in GP practices and hospitals – have access to appropriate protective equipment and that there is sufficient supply to keep them protected at all times.
“The Government’s policy to selfisolate with symptoms of a cough or fever for a week could result in significant numbers of doctors being off work at a crucial time.
“We therefore need priority testing for doctors and other healthcare staff and we need this now so they can continue providing vital care for patients safe in the knowledge that they do not carry the virus, while those who do need to self-isolate can do so to minimise the risk of spread.
“In addition, the BMA has written to the CQC [Care Quality Commission] to demand an immediate suspension to routine inspections. This can take doctors’ focus away from frontline care.
“If there are concerns about a service, it is vital that support is provided to resolve this so that hospitals and GP surgeries are able to continue to deliver essential care rather than be distracted by the administrative workload of an inspection.”
An NHS England spokesman said: “In a series of regular updates the NHS has already written to every single GP practice in England pointing them to the latest advice and guidance for GPS and practice staff, and informing them that hundreds of protective kits would be sent to them from this week.
“The NHS is continuing to work with the Royal College of GPS, the BMA and local NHS organisations to ensure that family doctors and their teams are supported as the health service works to tackle coronavirus.”