Coronavirus safety measures 'woefully inadequate' says GP

Measures to protect GPs from potential coronavirus infection have been described as "woefully inadequate".

Speaking to ITV Wales on condition of anonymity, one concerned doctor in Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, which covers north Wales, questioned how effective the plastic bag of protective equipment would be if there was an influx of patients with suspected coronavirus.

The doctor said that for their surgery, which has 12,000 patients, there was just one bag provided.

The 'grab bag' is filled with protective equipment to guard against coronavirus

"The 'grab bags' issued to us by the health board/public health are woefully inadequate," they said.

They also said they were unsure how many staff the one bag was meant to protect. The doctor added, "It's difficult to work out because the numbers don't match. To be honest, from what I tried out with the face shields, they're a waste of money."

A contents list issued with the grab bag includes:

  • 2 respirators

  • 3 face shields

  • 1 box of large gloves

  • 1 box of medium gloves

  • 2 surgical gowns

  • 1 green polythene apron

  • 1 yellow polythene apron

It is hoped a vaccine can be found and put into operation in under a year. Credit: PA Images

The doctor went on to joke: "I reckon if a second one turns up, it would be more effective to cut a breathing hole in the bag and stick it over my head."

But it's not just GPs who are concerned.

Doctors working in hospitals have questioned the system's ability to cope with any dramatic rise in coronavirus patients needing treatment.

One consultant told ITV Wales: "I’m not exaggerating when I say that we’re already operating at, or above, capacity already and this is going to properly break the system."

They added: "We’ll have to make some very hard-nosed decisions about who we admit and don’t admit."

Responding to concerns about capacity, the Welsh Government said: “More than 90% of coronavirus tests in Wales are carried out in people’s own homes. This essential approach allows our NHS to continue to respond with their vital services and to the heightened demand we see through winter.

“The UK Action Plan – published earlier this week and which we helped to develop – sets out actions to date, what we’re planning next and the role the public can play; now and in the future.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said, “Grab bags are not intended for all eventualities but allow for an urgent intervention for a single case during the containment phase. If used they will be replaced.”

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