The Shadow Minister for Social Care, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, has welcomed the move by the Welsh Government to put in place a contingency plan for social care access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and that healthcare organisations will be provided with a hotline to the Welsh Government Emergency Co-ordination Centre should PPE supplies have been disrupted or there has been an unplanned and unforeseen surge in use.

This comes in the face of serious concerns being raised by the BMA's Welsh council, The Royal College of Nursing, and social care providers.

Responding to the statement, the Shadow Minister said:

“It is an extremely worrying world we live in, and I want to ensure that we are doing everything within our power to help protect frontline health and social care staff.

“If we do not look after all of them, it is a real possibility that there might not be enough staff to look after us, our friends, neighbours, should we have COVID-19.

“Nurses struggling with access to PPE, inadequate eye masks sent to GPs, and social care staff still working without promised equipment - these are issues that need addressing urgently.

“I welcome the fact that the Minister has acknowledged that there are continuing issues with the provision of PPE, and that the re-supply timeframe is uncertain.

 "This means that the Welsh Government can now be focussed on urgently getting to grips with PPE problems.

“It is good news that there is to be a hotline to the Welsh Government Emergency Co-ordination Centre should PPE supplies be running low anywhere on the frontline.

"We need to pull together to help you, so if you are caring for the vulnerable or sick in health or social care, and cannot get PPE, I ask that you let me know. I am here to care for you like you care for us”.

ENDS