The Department of Health claims it can supply all the PPE that GP practices need during the second wave of Covid-19, Pulse reports.
The Government has set up a new ‘portal’ through which practices can order PPE, the DH announced.
PPE shortages became a national scandal during the first wave of Covid-19, with thousands of GPs forced to source their own supplies from domestic and international suppliers.
The NASGP recommends that all GP locums include in their terms a specific requirement to receive PPE from the practice they work in. GP locums should not be asked to source or supply their own PPE.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “Any face-to-face exchange with a patient during Covid carries risk, so removing the added complication of having to worry about what PPE to wear will make these consultations more productive, and less stressful.
“I sincerely hope it gives patients much more confidence to book appointments.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “At the start of the pandemic, meeting the huge demands for PPE was a massive challenge. That’s why we have worked every day since to ensure we have an uninterrupted supply to meet the challenges in the coming months and protect those who are protecting us.”
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