UK medics to be asked to reuse gowns amid shortage fears

Doctors and nurses in England are to be asked to treat coronavirus patients without fully protective gowns and to reuse equipment due to shortage fears.

The decision came in a reversal of guidance to hospitals from Public Health England on Friday.

It comes as NHS Providers warned some hospitals' supplies could run out in 24 hours.

Chris Hopson, head of the association, which represents healthcare trusts across England, said in a tweet: "We have now reached the point where the national stock of fully fluid repellent gowns and long-sleeved laboratory coats will be exhausted in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours."

He said that national leaders have left "no stone unturned" - but gowns that were ordered weeks ago are currently only arriving in "fits and starts".

Public Health England changed its guidance, which until now required long-sleeved, disposable, fluid-repellent gowns for people treating Covid-19 patients.

Now it says if these gowns are not available, staff can wear washable medical gowns or non-fluid-repellent equipment.

Documents seen by the BBC said the measures were considered earlier this week to cope with "acute supply shortages"

It comes as the UK recorded 847 new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals on Thursday, taking the total to 14,576.

(Source: BBC)

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