Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is calling on the Welsh Health Secretary to take urgent action to ensure that there is enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in North Wales following warnings from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board “that unless something changes drastically we will run out”.
James, along with his colleague Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, has been in direct contact with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething AM, to highlight concerns over a shortage in North Wales and to urge him to ensure that the region does not get left behind.
The MPs are in daily contact with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, local health care providers, frontline workers and constituents, and state that a consistent picture is being painted of insufficient PPE now, along with worries that “the storm has not hit us yet”.
James said:
“We are hearing from some constituents and frontline staff that they are having to buy their own PPE, or improvise based on what is available from other sectors, such as construction. Some 10% of the BCUHB is isolating which is making work and support even more difficult. We have told the Health Secretary that this is unacceptable and called for assurances that the supply of PPE for North Wales will take into account these reports and the anticipated rapid consumption over the coming days and weeks.
“We have also emphasised to him our concerns regarding care homes and social care staff, who already report that they do not have access to the PPE they need for their work. Their concerns are backed by senior local council figures. A failure to prevent infection in social care settings will have catastrophic effects. Again this is unacceptable.
“Another issue we highlighted was the concerns of pharmacists in North Wales regarding the rising tensions and anger from their patients. Local pharmacists are often an under appreciated public health service and their contribution and connections are vital within our communities. They too need access to PPE that will help maintain their own frontline services”.
James added:
“There is a widespread view in North Wales that ‘all Wales’ arrangements have in the past left the region at the back of the queue in terms of provision. Furthermore we are concerned that as we are behind the curve of the infection spread, we will be overlooked until it is too late and the storm is upon us. We need to know on what basis PPE will be allocated across Wales, and how flexible allocations will be made in response to changing circumstances.”
