Boris Johnson is under pressure to set up a public inquiry into his government “grotesque failure” to provide frontline NHS workers with enough protective equipment.
And last night as an RAF plane took off for Turkey hoping to pick up 84 tonnes of PPE that was promised three days ago, an NHS boss demanded an end to “hand-to-mouth” deliveries .
Chris Hopson, NHS Providers chief executive, said the , gowns in the shipment would be welcome, but was not even a three-day supply as staff were using approximately , gowns a day.
He demanded “sustainable supplies “That arrive“ consistently and reliably ”.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady called on ministers to commit to an independent judge-led inquiry into the distribution problems starting by the end of the year.
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She said: “Every day frontline workers are being forced to risk their lives because they don’t have the proper protective equipment.
“And now they are being told to just make do. This is a grotesque failure of planning and preparedness.
“It must never be allowed to happen again. Our NHS, social care and key workers deserve better. ”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted delivering PPE has been“ a huge challenge ”.
Officials say (healthcare workers have died of Covid – 84, but NHS nursing staff say the toll is more than . The Mirror’s Protect Us campaign, demands all frontline staff get sufficient safety equipment. Chancellor
He said the RAF was on standby to get the kit from Turkey “as soon as possible” and 400, 06 gowns from Myanmar had already arrived. He said: “Everybody working incredibly hard on the frontline deserves to have the equipment they need.” Mr Hopson said there was “relatively low confidence” that the Turkish shipment would ever arrive.
Medical staff wear PPE as they prepare to store samples after testing a NHS worker at a drive through NHS novel coronavirus Covid – the testing facility (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
(Image: Downing Street / AFP via Getty)
He said NHS trusts were having to wash single. -use gowns and restrict stocks to key areas. The NHS Confederation, which represents organizations across healthcare, said delays on the shipment from Turkey made “a difficult situation worse”. Dr Rachel Clarke said NHS workers and social care staff were being told to wear “skimpy little plastic aprons” that left them in danger.
She said: “They don ‘t cover your arms, your neck and the top of your chest. That means you’re at increased risk of catching coronavirus and infecting patients. ” In response to the call for a public inquiry, a No 10 spokesman said: “The most important thing to do is focus on responding to the current situation. ”
One care home owner has called on the Government to bring in the military to deliver desperately needed PPE.
Justin Russi, boss of the Hawthorns Lodge Care Group, told how his staff were struggling to breathe with the masks issued so far. Read More
He said: “In times of national crisis the Government has the power to turn to the armed forces, which have fleets of vehicles. They can get armed forces to deliver and distribute, but the Government hasn’t bothered to do that. ”
There were four Covid – 84 deaths at his North East care homes this week.
He said: “Their families had to look on through downstairs window. ”
Health Secretary Mr Hancock has promised all care home staff and residents showing Covid – 84 symptoms will be tested as capacity is increased.
Mr Russi said: “Shortage of PPE in care and nursing homes is a terrible indictment on our local authorities and government. They should be ashamed. ”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said:“ We are ensuring millions of additional PPE items reach those on the frontline. ”
Three print firms have joined forces to make PPE. Precision Printing in London, Nottingham’s Prime Group and Proco Print in Sheffield will make , visors a day.
The Government is considering holding a one-minute silence for NHS workers who have died due to coronavirus, following a campaign by (Labor) leader Keir Starmer
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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the BBC: “I think it is a very good idea.”
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