I’ve been banging the drum that ministers and NHS managers have an impossible and unenviable tack in managing this crisis. There has been a lot of criticism from people around the Government not moving to lockdown immediately – but as this emotive piece shows, there are other considerations too, including the effects of reducing elective care and even the devastation caused by a potential recession on the poorest in society. This is an impossible situation.
However, one area that has been undoubtedly lacking is PPE. Stories are coming out on an hourly basis around the inadequacy of PPE – both in the supply chain and the quality. This morning, we showed that the emergency helpline was directing GPs to call their usual suppliers.
Stories are coming out on an hourly basis around the inadequacy of PPE
GPs are displaying their innovation again – Dr Dave Triska has been one of the leaders of a movement to help GPs print their own PPE, as he explains here.
But let us get this straight – this should not be happening. This, along with antibody testing, is one thing that the authorities can remedy with willing. All the policymakers’ efforts must go into protecting our front line staff – and GPs must not be forgotten.
Jaimie Kaffash is editor of Pulse. Follow him on Twitter @jkaffash or email him at editor@pulsetoday.co.uk
