Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 86
We recognise the unprecedented scale of the challenge facing the Government and NHSE/I to keep...
Conclusion
We recognise the unprecedented scale of the challenge facing the Government and NHSE/I to keep NHS and care staff safe during the pandemic. As in other countries facing the pandemic there were, however, persistent failures with the procurement and supply of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to some NHS and care staff, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. It is important to recognise that different staff will require different types of PPE and there is a need to make sure that the PPE available is suitable for a diverse work force. We welcome the appointment of Lord Deighton as adviser on PPE to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Lord Deighton’s evidence gave us confidence that the issues relating to PPE which have been raised with us will be prioritised and addressed.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government is confident that there will be a consistent supply of PPE this winter. Since the initial PPE Plan in April, the UK PPE supply chain has stabilised; there are around 32 billion PPE items on order and there is a strategic stockpile of approximately 4 months’ stock of each product category stored in warehouses. The government is firmly committed to addressing the reported practical difficulties of some PPE to ensure there is appropriately fitting PPE on the frontline. We are committed to understanding user needs and taking appropriate action to incorporate user feedback in PPE provision. Feedback has largely focused on the fit of face masks where an appropriate fit is critical for effective protection.