Anger over ‘inadequate’ protective equipment in care homes
CARE homes across the UK have each received only 300 “inadequate” masks to protect staff and residents against coronavirus, The Daily Telegraph has learned.
Nursing, residential homes and other care providers had been expecting to receive masks, aprons, gloves and visors as part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) packages sent by the Government last week.
But instead all they have each received is 300 masks which are not even elasticated. They have been told not to expect anything further to protect front-line staff from Covid-19.
Yesterday, Robert Jenrick, the Communities Secretary, said that every care home had or would receive a delivery of PPE. The PPE kit recommended by the World Health Organisation to deal with suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients includes an FFP 3 respirator face mask, a long-sleeved disposable gown, gloves and eye protection.
Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Association, the voice of Britain’s independent care sector, said: “It’s not enough. Providers are not able to get enough aprons and gloves. The Government is saying to care providers – you’ve got your PPE, you’ve got your masks, but they are going to go through them in days.
“There should be more for the care sector – this is about preparedness. Masks aren’t the only answer.”
Confirming that care providers had been told not to expect any more PPE, she added: “You can’t tell your workforce that you can’t protect them. They are understandably scared. And to make matters worse, some care homes are 40 per cent down in staff.”
Ms Ahmed said already hard-pressed care providers were having to turn to private suppliers for PPE, only to be told earlier this week they were holding back stock for the NHS.
An emergency conference call had to be held between care providers and care minister Helen Whately to ensure that suppliers could make deliveries to privately-run organisations, she said
Dr Damian Tominey, who owns a care home in St Albans, Herts, said: “The masks we have been sent are inadequate and have already run out.
“The masks are not as good as the ones we have been able to buy on Amazon, which are elasticated. These ones tie twice behind the head so can easily slip down.
“We haven’t had anything else and we have been told not to expect anything else. We thought we would get protective aprons, gloves, visors, extra sanitiser. But we’ve only had the masks.
“The deputy Chief Medical Officer [Jenny Harries] has said everyone has received PPE – well that’s a very posh term for face masks.
“It’s completely inadequate and quite galling that everyone keeps on saying all the PPE has been delivered while failing to admit it just consists of masks that aren’t fit for purpose.”
Doctors and nurses have also reported shortages of equipment, but there are worries as well about whether GPS and pharmacists are getting the necessary protection they need.
Yesterday GPS in parts of Wales admitted they were having to buy their own PPE, with some even asking schools to make it for them with 3D printers. A GP practising in the Aneurin Bevan health board area, one of the worst hit areas of the UK, said doctors often had “no choice” but to wear PPE more than once, describing the situation as “dangerous” and “unacceptable”.
Dr Rinesh Parma, chairman of the Doctors’ Association UK, has warned that staff may feel forced to leave because they do not have adequate PPE.
“The Government needs to protect front-line health workers and in return they will give 100 per cent,” he said.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak … we are working closely with industry and social care providers to make sure care staff have the protection they deserve.”