Health and social care leaders have called for urgent action over the level of protective equipment provided for carers looking after the sick and vulnerable in Scotland’s communities.

Organisations have written to cabinet secretary Jeane Freeman saying it is “deeply worrying” that workers are still fearful they will not be fully protected from the “worst effects” of covid-19.

The Scottish government has announced millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be distributed to meet demand.

The joint letter from the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland (RCGP), the Royal College of Nursing Scotland (RCN Scotland) and Scottish Care says while this is welcome, concerns are still being raised over the levels available in GP surgeries and in the community – particularly in terms of aprons and eye protection.

The letter points out members will be increasingly caring for sick and vulnerable people within their own homes as the pandemic continues –  who will either be showing advanced symptoms of covid-19 or completely asymptomatic, but still infectious.

It stated: “Providing this vital care has never been more important, but our members tell us that they are apprehensive about delivering this care, given the current level of PPE that they have been provided with.

“In short, they are fearful that the level of protection that they have been provided with will not be enough to shield them from the worst effects of covid-19.”

It added: “We are calling for assurances to be provided and urgent action to be taken to protect those who are going above and beyond to care for the most sick and vulnerable within the community at this incredibly difficult time.

“We need our health and social care workforce to be healthy and protected as they deal with the greatest public health challenge of our lifetime.”  

Dr Carey Lunan, chair of RCGP Scotland, said it was “deeply worrying” that community health and social care workforce remained concerned about PPE provision.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with leaders in nursing and social care, we are today calling for urgent action to be taken to ensure that our community workforce has what it needs to carry out their role safely and effectively at this critical time.” 

Theresa Fyffe, RCN Scotland director said: “They now need more equipment and fewer excuses. Every minute we wait is a minute too long. All staff, no matter where they work, must feel safe. We will continue to raise this issue until it is resolved.” 

Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, said the use of appropriate PPE equipment would help reduce the spread of the virus as well as keep care staff safe.

“We absolutely understand and appreciate the challenges associated with prioritisation of resources and applaud the social care triage system and those involved in its establishment, but we need an urgent move towards a preventative approach to equipping frontline staff with the right level of protective equipment.”

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