The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has welcomed the publication of the revised guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and social care workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.
The College, along with other professional medical groups, has lobbied the UK Government and devolved administrations, including the Scottish Government, as a matter of urgency to ensure that health and social care workers have the protection they need to stay safe and remain on the frontline, during the fight against COVID-19.
The College has welcomed the UK Government’s revised national UK guidance on PPE published today, and is also encouraged by discussions with the Scottish Government indicating that stocks of most elements of PPE appear sufficient for many weeks. The guidance provides advice that fits more closely with evolving clinical experience and evidence from other countries.
The College is calling for transparency regarding the stocks of PPE available in England and Wales, as well as an action plan indicating what PPE can be expected by primary, secondary and community care – and when healthcare workers in these sectors can expect to receive PPE.
Commenting, Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:
“We welcome the publication of this revised guidance and urge the governments to continue to listen to clinicians’ experience of PPE and modify guidance in response to that experience.
“Our main concern is that health and social care workers in the UK can access the PPE they need to keep both themselves and patients safe at all times, across many different care settings. It is vital that there is enough to go around over the coming months, as the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies across the UK.
“Clearly, clinicians have a responsibility to use PPE in a way that combines best care for patients and best protection for all healthcare workers, and that prevents inappropriate overuse of elements that might lead to stock depletion too quickly. But they must have support from government through guidance based on best practice and evidence, and of course through supply of all elements of PPE.
“As well as protecting our frontline health and care workers, adequate PPE guidance and stock will reassure them and allow them to maintain their brave efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives.”
