There are still NHS staff without proper PPE – their lives are at risk | Jessica Potter

Full PPE is crucial in the fight against coronavirus. Public Health England ’s advice has not gone far enoughCoronavirus latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageJust before the ICU unit where I work dealt with its first case of Covid-19, I was tested to ensure the FFP-3 masks I would need fitted safely. This involved walking up and down while a bitter chemical was sprayed to ensure there were no leaks in this suffocating face-covering. These masks are in short supply internationally, yet I ’ve seencelebrities posing for selfies wearing them. Two weeks down the line and I am well into the routine of donning and doffing my personal protective equipment.As a doctor working in intensive care, I am fortunate to be provided with a surgical cap, goggles, mask, long-sleeved gowns, two pairs of gloves and an apron.However, we hear from many people across the UK who are still waiting for theirs. It is hot work and we stay in the same gear to do the ward round, wiping ourselves with disinfectant between patients to minimise the risk of transferring other infections between them.Some colleagues have died. These healthcare workers are no longer only those working in another country, but people we have worked with before, people in our own hospitals, our friends. The danger we feel is very real.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: NHS Coronavirus outbreak Health Society Infectious diseases Medical research Science World news Conservatives Politics Source Type: news