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York NHS workers are wearing goggles from B&Q because of a lack of proper protective equipment

The full personal protective equipment (PPE) being modelled by an employee of the Royal Mint which is now making them. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
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NHS and care home staff are having to wash and reuse single-use protective equipment and wear goggles from school science labs to protect their eyes.

They’re being forced into these drastic measures because of the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), according to Rachael Maskell.

The MP for York Central has serious concerns about the lack of proper safety equipment for frontline workers in the city.

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Ms Maskell said:

  • Health and care staff and care homes are desperate to get hold of personal protective equipment. GPs are scared and concerned for their patients.

    They do not have proper eye protection. Some are reusing single-use protective equipment, in the hospital as well as in the community.

    People are using goggles from B&Q, in the hospice they are using school science goggles, people just don’t have the protection.

Stepping up production

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

The government has since announced that millions of items of PPE would be delivered to NHS staff – as well as dentists, pharmacists, care homes and hospices.

Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said at the Downing Street daily press conference that more PPE is on the way.

He said: “We simply cannot and should not ask people to be on the frontline without the right protective equipment.”