Lack of protective equipment for health and social care staff is “a crisis within a crisis”

The heads of Britain’s health and social care unions have today (Wednesday) warned ministers that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and social care workers is a “crisis within a crisis”.     In a joint statement – signed by seven organisations including UNISON, the Royal College of Midwives, GMB, Unite and TUC – they call on the government to urgently increase the supply of PPE to staff in the NHS and social care.  The union leaders warn that workers are being forced to risk their lives:  “It is now clear that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers has become a crisis within a crisis.  “Workers are being exposed to unreasonable and unnecessary risk by the ongoing failure to provide key workers with adequate PPE. “Every day we hear from our members that despite repeated assurances from government, people are being asked to work with inadequate or out of date protective equipment – and that is where PPE is being provided at all. “Key workers deserve better. They are risking their own health and safety for us. “We must be clear what that means. Those who are subject to prolonged and direct exposure to the virus – such as health and social care professionals – are risking their lives.”     The union leaders warn that staff are being threatened with disciplinary action for raising concerns about unsafe working conditions:   “Where...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News Press release coronavirus coronavirus health workers NHS PPE TUC Source Type: news