Helping NHS workers

[instantpop]

I keep seeing loads of messages about rounds of applause for NHS workers, free flowers etc. All well and good.

However, I've just spoken to a nurse friend who has been advised that they should source their own personal protective equipement as there isn't any availble!! WTF. These are nurses, fearing death, being asked to get not even the right equipment from blimmin B&Q!!

I think the no. 1 thing we can do for our NHS workers right now, is to kick up a massive fuss until they are given the equipment they need to do their amazing job safely.

I don't even know why I'm posting here or what I'm trying to achieve - maybe someone reading this knows the answer or has a factory that could be redployed to make the masks/goggles/gloves/gowns etc that they so urgently need.

I'm just absolutely outraged and feeling so helpless.

shamelessly bumping...!

My understanding is that masses of masks and other PPE was delivered to the NHS today. There was a report about it on TV.

Yeah not enough in community (Scotland)
We are also being advised that as NHS staff are being mugged (?for our id badges) we need to go to and from work in civvies
So try not to mug us please :(

WTF Calyx

Lots of masks finally arrived but we have only one be type.I failed the fit for these and there is no alternative so I could end up looking after cove patients,doing procedures that create an arosol in a mask that doesn't fit and goggles that I have bought myself.It is only a matter of time before I am I'll.Im 61 and seriously worry about my chances.

That's awful @Calyx and @theyrecoming. I'm so sorry this is happening. What can people do to help (apart from not mugging you obvs!!). There is so much support for frontline workers that could potentially be channeled to help?

should add that these are front line nurses, drafted and retraining from other areas of the NHS specifically to fight covid

We are also being advised that as NHS staff are being mugged (?for our id badges) we need to go to and from work in civvies

Is that actually true? The only places I see reporting this are Facebook and OK magazine...

They've stopped NHS staff wearing uniform to travel to work because dome staff have been abused for being disease spreaders.
Us community nurses have no choice. Or proper PPE.

Some*

Things are being delivered, albeit later than they should have, and not always the correct items. Inventory lists and services collaborating etc has been problematic; hopefully today will mean the correct PPE reaches the right places.

We are 2 weeks behind you. This is bad, time to prepare mentally.
People are already stealing the hand hygiene from our desks.

I offered to cook for my neighbor whose a midwife. Went round with a plate, tin foil over and gloves. Placed in her kitchen, she stated in the hallway till I left. I then removed and binned gloves before going home.
It's a tiny small thing but I hope it makes her feel better

My nurse friend still does not have the correct PPE.