This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
A third of high risk doctors unable to access full PPE
Healthcare staff working in some of the most high-risk coronavirus settings are still struggling to access the protective personal equipment (PPE) they need to keep them safe.
A survey from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) revealed that a third of those working in aerosol generating procedure areas were unable to always access long sleeved disposable gowns or full-face visors.
Some 86 per cent of respondents said they were working in non-AGP areas with confirmed or possible cases of coronavirus, yet among those, 40 per cent said they are not always able to access eye protection, and 15.5 per cent are not always able to access fluid repellent face masks.
In fact, general access to PPE has worsened in the last three weeks. More than a quarter of respondents report being unable to access the PPE they need for managing coronavirus patients, compared to 22 per cent in the first RCP survey.
More positively, the survey found that staff absences have dropped from 18 per cent to eight per cent in the past three weeks, and 91 per cent of those with coronavirus symptoms said they are now able to access testing for themselves, up from just 31 per cent three weeks ago.
Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: “We’re living through the darkest times the NHS has ever faced and this survey shows the reality of the situation facing hospital doctors at the moment. The lack of PPE remains their biggest concern and it is truly terrible that supply has worsened over the past three weeks rather than improved.
“Healthcare workers risking their lives couldn't care less how many billion pieces of PPE have been ordered or supplied. If it isn't there when they need it, they are in harm's way. It is encouraging that testing rates have improved for staff and that sickness rates have fallen. However, we are only six weeks into what will be many months of upheaval for the NHS and getting services back up and running is going to need Herculean effort.
“Testing and PPE supply will be critical in getting 'normal' services going and we mustn't underestimate the challenges ahead. As the number of coronavirus cases fall one of those challenges is getting doctors back into their normal working areas. Until this happens 'normal' business can't restart."
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