Responding to the release of the government’s personal protective equipment (PPE) strategy, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“NHS leaders will welcome the details of a more robust PPE supply, alongside a national strategy, to help protect staff. The planned provision of PPE to social and primary care settings is a vast improvement, and long overdue.

“We have been asking the government to make stock levels visible for seven months. Now that it is finally here, it will inspire greater confidence among those on the frontline, however it is a huge pity that this was not accomplished earlier.

“Our call now is for the government to commit to open and timely communication of any changes in PPE stock, usage policies or distribution, so that the NHS workforce can feel confident in their safety at work. The level of detail on stock levels must also be maintained moving forwards.

“The strategy’s proposed move from quality control to quality assurance is also welcome, and should be a point of priority in PPE manufacture and supply. Getting quality right at the source of production will minimise delays in distribution.

“The UK looks to be in a far more secure position in terms of PPE than it was in spring. Having a more robust stockpile of items which were dangerously lacking in the initial peak of the pandemic, such as visors, face masks and gowns, is of comfort as the NHS enters a second wave alongside winter pressures.

“Significant targets are on track to be met, with four months’ worth of supply by November and 70% domestic production by the end of the year, excluding gloves, expected. This should be recognised as an important achievement by the businesses who have answered the call for domestic production of PPE.

“As important is the Department of Health and Social Care’s commitment to listen to and action the practical difficulties of PPE usage faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and women is vital. However, the underlying issue that PPE is manufactured to fit the average measurements of Caucasian males must be addressed urgently. There is an opportunity to do this now given the growth in the number of new domestic manufacturers.

“Finally, as we have learnt from the first phase of this pandemic, adequate supplies and distribution of PPE into social care settings is critical. We must ensure that the commitment to care homes and other settings is fully followed through.

“We welcome the planning of stockpiles for future pandemics. It was the incorrect configuration of stockpiles that made it is so difficult for PPE to be correctly provided when this pandemic first hit.”