NHS workers 'scared to go to work' as battle for correct PPE continues during pandemic
As Wales enters a fourth week under government isolation, there are still questions being asked by NHS workers who do not feel they have sufficient PPE during the coronavirus pandemic.
In late March, Wales' health minister Vaughan Gething said that personal protective equipment (PPE) had been released to frontline NHS staff and social care workers, however, unions and staff have stressed concerns it may not be enough.
Two unions in Wales, Wales TUC and BMA Cymru have said that they have been contacted by hundreds of different frontline NHS workers who are concerned by the lack of clarity over PPE supplies.
Dr Bailey from the British Medical Association in Wales said, "Staff must receive assurances that appropriate PPE will be available, and that a national strategy is in place to ensure supplies will continue.
“We are calling on Welsh Government to be transparent with staff aboutsupplies. It's imperative that staff are protected so they cancontinue to protect patients.”
There are also concerns that whilst PPE is being offered to facilities, the price is unsustainable in the long-term.
Mr Gething spoke at the Welsh Government's daily press conference on Tuesday, explaining that "appropriate steps" are being taken after two nurses died from Covid-19 over the Easter weekend.
It was later announced a third nurse from Bridgend also died after contracting coronavirus.
He also explained that plans for more testing centres will continue this week.
He also confirmed that a deal over 35 million items of PPE had been delivered within the past few months.
Mr Gething continued "We are working extremely hard to get PPE to all social care settings in Wales.
"Of that 35 million items, over 12 million has come from our pandemic stocks. That is an increase of over 50% and guidance has changed and this will increase demand."