The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery said:

"The supply of clinical gowns is now critical, and it is now clear that some trusts will run out of fully fluid repellent gowns this weekend.

"Trusts and the National Strategic Reserve (NSR) have very carefully managed the last remaining stock and trusts have helped each other wherever possible.

"They have used the remaining stock of coveralls as alternatives to gowns and have been deploying their gown stock very carefully.

"Other parts of the public service – fire, police, local authorities, vets – have been incredibly helpful by donating their gowns and coveralls to the NHS in many places. Emergency deliveries from other countries have been sought.

"A week ago, trust leaders and NHS Providers asked national leaders to develop a clear plan to adopt in this eventuality. This has been done effectively and at pace.

"We understand the new recommendations – to be published shortly - are aligned with WHO guidance on the use of PPE when it is in short supply.

"Trust leaders will now implement this plan wherever needed and will therefore use the highest possible level of alternative protection equipment such as a fluid retardant, as opposed to fluid repellent, gown combined with an apron.

"Their priority, as always, will be to do everything they can to ensure every member of frontline staff has the highest possible level of alternative protection equipment, where such equipment is required.

"National leaders tell us that one reason they have been unable to obtain emergency support from neighbouring countries is that many of those countries have already adopted a similar approach due to international shortages of gowns.

"We all hope that this temporary disruption to supply will be short-lived and that the gowns that were ordered a long time ago, and should have already arrived, start arriving consistently and reliably rather than in the current fits and starts."