NHS staff could have to clean and reuse PPE as a ‘last resort’, leaked report reveals

NHS staff could be forced to reuse personal protective equipment (PPE) as a "last resort", a leaked report reveals.

It states that protective masks and gowns could need to be cleaned and reused when stocks run low.

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Some hospitals are already beginning to clean single-use gowns to preserve stocks amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Public Health England (PHE) report warns.

PHE admit there is currently a "reduced ability to re-supply" PPE during the outbreak, according to the who have seen the report.

It is understood that the chief medical officers and chief nurses of the four UK nations recently discussed the crisis.

Following the meeting, a draft document written by PHE and dated April 13 suggested solutions for "acute supply shortages" of PPE.

In a statement, Dr Susan Hopkins, from PHE, said: "PPE is a precious resource and it is crucial that everyone in health and social care has access to the right protective equipment.

"All options are being considered to ensure this, including the safe reuse of items, but no decisions have been made."

An HSE spokesman said: "In line with the Government's PPE strategy, it is right that, where possible, strategies for optimising the supply of PPE should be explored.
"We are discussing with Public Health England ways in which pressure can be eased on the supply chain. This includes potentially reusing certain equipment where it is safe to do so."

PPE is a precious resource

Dr Susan HopkinsPHE

The Government has been under constant pressure to ensure that PPE is distributed to frontline NHS workers.

Photos have shown doctors and nurses wearing rubbish bags around their bodies and mouths as makeshift PPE.

Other medics are said to have bought scrubs on Amazon or had friends knit them protective kit.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock would not apologise over PPE this weekend and denied the Government had been slow to stockpile crucial kit.

He insisted: “We now have record amounts of PPE that’s been put out into the system but until everyone gets the PPE they need then we won’t rest.”

He said it was impossible to set a date by which all frontline workers would get what they needed.

And he added: “It’s impossible because the quest is to get the right PPE to the right people on the front line at the right time across many millions of people across the NHS and social care.

“I’m glad to say that effort is moving in the right direction.”