Coronavirus: 'Desperate' East Devon NHS workers forced to 'beg, borrow and steal' protective equipment

East Devon NHS workers having to 'beg, borrow and steal' protective equipment have had their concerns taken to the area's MP by Claire Wright, county councillor and former parliamentary candidate for East Devon.

Councillor Wright was contacted by a 'desperate East Devon NHS worker' who is concerned that equipment is not in place to deal with a predicted surge in coronavirus cases over the next two weeks.

In an open letter to the area's MP, Simon Jupp, councillor Wright asked for reassurance that the necessary protective equipment will be delivered to East Devon's NHS workers this week.

Nub News asked the Mr Jupp for his response to the open letter, he said he has asked the Department of Health and Social Care for details on the equipment's delivery.

In the letter councillor Wright said: "'The predicted surge in cases for Devon is around 10-14 days time. We will need to see patients with suspected and confirmed CV 19 in hot sites and I am worried that we will run out very quickly. There's quite a lot of beg borrow and steal going on.'"

"The above words are taken from an email I received from a desperate East Devon NHS worker this morning extremely anxious about facing the coming weeks without adequate personal protective equipment.

"We have of course, heard disturbing stories from NHS staff via the media, about the lack of PPE and how vulnerable they feel to infection and potentially worse, with a continued significant virus load, while working on the front line.

"I am aware of Robert Jenrick's welcome words this afternoon, but I am not yet sure how this translates into supplies for East Devon.

"Can you please reassure me and all the local health workers that those supplies of PPE for every NHS staff member will be received by the middle of this week (Wednesday 1 April)?"

Nub News contacted the area's MP, Simon Jupp, for a response to councillor Wright's open letter, he said: "I have asked for further details on the specific case raised in the email as it always helps to highlight specific local concerns from NHS workers to press the case further to help ensure all frontline staff have access to the necessary equipment to stay safe.

"I had already requested further PPE delivery details from the Department of Health & Social Care and the Cabinet Office.

"As I'm sure you recognise, all elected representatives have a duty to work together in times of crisis for the good of our communities. I have spoken with many councillors in weeks on a variety of different issues and continue to do so."

If you would like to find out more about how avoid catching or spreading the Coronavirus click here.