Applause isn't enough

It was heartwarming to see the applause for our health care workers on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. But praise isn't enough, particularly from the government. They need the resources to do the job. In particular, they need protective equipment.

In a survey conducted by Medscape UK, 7 out of 10 respondents on the frontline said that the supplies of the protective equipment they need to do their job.

Some staff are having to purchase their own protective clothing.

This is a shocking state of affairs. We are asking our doctors and nurses to work with one hand tied behind their back and to put their own lives and the lives of members of their families at risk.

A few days ago, thousands of frontline NHS staff signed a letter to the prime minister calling urgently for action to provide the protective kit they need.

We need more than applause for our frontline NHS staff. We need to give them the kit they need to do their job safely and in the best interests of their patients.

A feel-good factor alone is not sufficient from the government. We need action.

Comments

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