EXCLUSIVE: Coronavirus protection shortages: Government says care sector will get face masks

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said every care provider will start receiving facemasks from today, after care providers reported shortages of hand sanitiser, masks, aprons and gloves, putting lives at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

With some care providers saying they had been “given the runaround” when it came to trying to source Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from their suppliers, the DHSC said the NHS is not being prioritised over the care sector and said it is “working rapidly with wholesalers" to ensure a longer term supply of all PPE.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told carehome.co.uk and homecare.co.uk:

“No wholesaler has been asked to prioritise the NHS over the care sector and every care provider will start receiving facemasks from the pandemic flu stock from today [18 March].

“We are working rapidly with wholesalers to ensure a longer-term supply of all personal protective equipment, including gloves, aprons, facemasks and hand sanitiser.“

Care providers have experienced a shortage of PPE equipment, forcing some to go out hunting for protective equipment in retail outlets.

The DHSC has stated the distribution of fluid repellent facemasks from the pandemic flu stock is aimed at ‘tiding over the initial rise in demand following the change of guidance on facemasks last week.’

The Department also said ‘Providers are not required to take action; the stock will be delivered to them.’

The Department stated: ‘We know that supplies of personal protective equipment to the care sector is fundamental for the good care of individuals with suspected symptoms of Covid-19.

‘For future PPE requirements, care providers will order PPE from their usual suppliers.

‘If a care provider is unable to get a supply from their normal supplier, the supplier is asked to report this to the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) team, who can advise on alternative suppliers, or facilitate delivery of an emergency delivery.’

For care providers with immediate need for PPE supply, the DHSC has created the National Supply Disruption line: 0800 915 9964. You can also email supplydisruptionservice@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

To read government guidance for adult social care click here