Who is right about PPE stock levels for doctors and nurses? - YEP letters
WHEN it became apparent that Covid-19 was developing into a major crisis affecting the lives of everyone, the government established some credibility by adopting a frank approach.
Robert Bottamley, via email
Regrettably, a level of public confidence seldom achieved by politicians is being undermined by its approach to the question of inadequate supplies of Personal Protection Equipment – most notably to nurses and doctors.
Not a single minister has yet felt able to apologise for circumstances that leave front-line hospital staff without suitable protection as they treat patients capable of infecting them with a life-threatening contagion.
Meanwhile, the Health Secretary (Matt Hancock) added insult to injury by suggesting that the blame for PPE shortages rested with NHS employees who were misusing it. Many hospital staff claim not to have crucial equipment: ministers insist that they do. But only one of these statements can be true – and compelling members of the public to decide which one it is might not be the wisest course of action.