NHS nurse heartbroken after daughter, 8, begs her not to work during coronavirus pandemic as ‘I don’t want you to die’
A FRONTLINE nurse was left “broken” as her sobbing daughter told her: “I need you - I don’t want you to die.”
Kate Tilford, 44, revealed how her terrified daughter, eight, begged her not to go to work over protective kit shortages.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Ms Tilford, who works in A&E in Essex, blasted the government over the critical lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and said she was forced to lie about her safety.
She said: “I put her to bed and she was crying her eyes out, saying ‘mummy I need you - I don’t want you to die’.
“I’m having to lie to her, telling her not to worry and that I’m protected.
“But I know it’s not true. I’m not well protected and I am at risk.
“I’m so angry that the Government has placed me in the position where I’m lying to my own daughter.”
More than 40 frontline healthcare workers have died from Covid-19 amid fears a lack of PPE is leaving them exposed.
I’m having to lie to her, telling her not to worry and that I’m protected.
But I know it’s not true. I’m not well protected and I am at risk.
Under revised Public Health England guidance, frontline staff have been told to wear plastic aprons if full-length waterproof gowns run out.
Ms Tilford, who has worked in the NHS for 25 years, said she has to use a "plastic pinny" and a "basic surgical mask" when treating casualty patients.
She said: “I go to work because I want to help people. I just want to do the best I can while I’m protected at the best level. How is that too much to ask?
"This is not about politics, this is about lives. The death toll of doctors and nurses is rising every day.
"There are massive numbers of NHS staff who are being put at risk because they don’t have access to protective equipment.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
"The government has mismanaged this from beginning to end and put health workers at risk."
The Department of Health said it was working “round the clock” to address PPE shortages in hospitals and social care settings.
A spokesman said: “New clinical advice has been issued to make sure that if there are shortages in one area, frontline staff know what PPE to wear instead to minimise risk.
“This has been reviewed by the Health and Safety Executive, and is in line with WHO and CDC guidance on PPE use in exceptional circumstances.
most read in news
“There is a 24 hour NHS-run helpline where NHS and social care workers can call to report shortages in supply and it is crucial the relevant guidance for protective equipment is followed closely.”
The news comes as a radiographer and nursing assistant have become the latest NHS staff to die from the coronavirus.
Simon Guest, described as a “true gentleman” and Ruben Munoz, who a colleague called a star, are among the 80 health workers to have died of Covid-19.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.