RCP has responded to the National Audit Office’s report.
The National Audit Office’s report into personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic found that stockpiles in England were inadequate, with a particular shortage of gloves and aprons, and price rises earlier this year cost taxpayers approximately £10bn.
In response to the report, Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for the NHS and frontline staff.
“At the height of the first wave in April, we know that a third of our members working in high-risk settings were unable to access the personal protective equipment (PPE) they needed. We have already learnt so much from the first wave – this month (November) 82% of members surveyed felt their organisation had the necessary PPE for the second wave.
“The National Audit Office’s report today shows how we can and must plan better for the future so frontline health and social care staff have access to the equipment they need to protect themselves and patients in a way that is cost effective.”