Medics tell of protective equipment shortages

Stepping Hill Hospital

‘Visors being re-used because we don’t have enough, we’re not sure whether they are being adequately cleaned. Masks being rationed, particularly in the Emergency Department and the wards’

Ipswich Hospital

‘Nurses on Covid wards telling me they have major concerns about PPE and their safety. They have told me they have been told off for wearing FFP3 masks by the Sister. They are telling me that they go into covid positive bays/rooms holding their breath’

Ealing Hospital

‘Almost never any goggles, maybe had twice in 10 days. Having to reuse FFP3 masks for days sometimes. Nurses extremely worried about lack of PPE - even patients who are barn door Covid and radiologically diagnoses we are told we can’t have full PPE until swab is confirmed ( a day later)’

Manchester Royal Infirmary

‘Run out of masks in the hospital. Might have to operate on suspected cases without adequate protection. Been told we're waiting for masks’

Kettering General Hospital

‘I’m being denied access to appropriate PPE like FFP3 masks and eye protection when doing aerosol generating procedures’

GP in the South West

‘Supplies dwindling and won’t be enough for every patient contact going forward. NHS England supply line tells us to source locally which we cannot’

GP in Wales

‘Bought our own visors from Screwfix/bought our own disposable scrubs and own hair covers/would like full PPE and better face masks’