As frontline medical professionals fighting to combat the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, which was due on Sunday from Turkey, has been delayed, according to a British government official.
Health workers are already facing shortages of protective gear, making it difficult to contain the outbreak.
On Sunday, ministers highlighted an 84-tonne consignment, which was due to arrive from Turkey containing PPE items, including nearly 400,000 protective gowns.
A spokesperson with a British foreign office said the delay was due to “clearance and paperwork,” according to Sky News.
The spokesperson said, “It’s not quite ready yet,” adding they were “working to get this delivered as soon as possible.”
Doctors, nurses, and other health workers have criticized the government’s guidance stating that some PPE stocks could be reused, as hospitals and medical centers are running out of the supply. https://www.myhealthyclick.com/uk-doctors-raise-concern-over-reuse-of-personal-protective-equipment/
One official from the British Medical Association (BMA) said this advice could see frontline medical professionals deciding that they cannot treat COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Helena McKeown, Chair of the Representative Body, BMA, told Sky News the delay would be “devastating” news for health workers.
The United Kingdom is almost near to the peak of a major health crisis, with officials reporting more than 124,700 confirmed cases and over 16,500 deaths.
Globally, the virus has affected 2,482,272 and killed 170,472 so far. The United States health officials have reported 792,938 cases and 42,518 deaths so far.
Meanwhile, hospitals have warned that NHS supplies of facemasks could be at risk if the UK government starts recommending people to wear them.
The government officials will meet to discuss whether people should be advised to wear masks in a bid to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
However, NHS Providers CEO Chris Hopson warned there should be “clear evidence” to justify their use. He explained that securing supplies for NHS staff members during the global pandemic was “crucial.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is no strong evidence to support the use of facemasks by the general population. The agency said people who do not work in medical care facilities should only wear facemasks if they are sick or taking care of those who are sick.
