Responding to the National Audit Office’s (NAO’s) report on
personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, the deputy chief
executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:
“The NAO is right to conclude that there are important lessons to
be learned in dealing with the pandemic.
“For trust leaders, ensuring the safety of patients and staff is
an absolute priority.
“This report highlights severe PPE shortages - a consequence of
planning for the “wrong” kind of pandemic, and the huge global
surge in demand for this equipment - and although no acute trusts
completely ran out, at times this was only narrowly avoided.
“The situation in other settings, in particular social care, was
even worse.
“These problems were compounded by the lack of reliable data
about national stock levels and unpredictable deliveries, making
it extremely difficult for trust leaders to plan ahead.
“Changes in guidance on the use of PPE also damaged the
confidence of frontline staff.
“Trusts played a key role in helping to overcome these
challenges, for example by supporting each other and other
partners with PPE supplies. They worked closely and effectively
with the government and NHS national bodies to identify and
address pinch-points and establish a robust supply and
distribution infrastructure.
“PPE supplies are now much improved. It’s important to
acknowledge the success in tackling formidable logistical
challenges, but it’s vital that in future there is clear
information on national and local PPE stocks and requirements.
“The government should commit to open and timely communication on
these issues so the NHS workforce can feel confident in their
safety at work.”
