PPE findings from Wales
17 Apr 2020
‘Moving in the right direction on PPE but more to do’, survey of surgeons finds
17 April 2020
A third of surgeons and trainees surveyed in Wales by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) now say they believe they have an adequate supply of PPE in their Health Board, enabling them to do their jobs safely. However, more than half (57%) say there have been shortages in the past 30 days.
Nearly one in five (18%) say they have had to self-isolate because of symptoms.
The new survey of over 160 surgeons and surgical trainees in Wales comes after improved PPE guidance was issued across the UK at the beginning of April, with the support of medical royal colleges.
Commenting on the findings, RCS Director in Wales Mr Richard Johnson said:
“It’s sad to learn so many surgeons and trainees have been ill with this virus. Many have recovered and returned to work, and it’s essential that when they do, they are properly protected.
“We have been working with Welsh Government to ensure surgeons and their teams have sound advice about what level of PPE they need for different surgical procedures.
“Our survey finds that availability of PPE is improving. Things are moving in the right direction. Fewer surgeons in Wales tell us there is an inadequate supply of PPE in their Health Board now, than over the past month.”
Earlier this month it was confirmed that more than 1,500 of 104,000 NHS Wales staff had been tested for COVID-19. However, 39% of surgeons in the RCS survey expressed scepticism over their chances of getting a COVID-19 test, should they need one.
Mr Johnson added, “PPE and staff testing go hand-in-hand. You need both to test staff and keep them safe at work, if you want them to be in a position to look after patients safely. This emphasises the need to stay at home, stay safe and protect the NHS.”
Surgeons’ comments on PPE and testing in Wales include:
“My colleagues have had to be tested and it has taken over a week to get results. Also results gone missing. I am fairly sure that my registrar contracted coronavirus because of inadequate PPE in A&E. She’s tested positive, but fortunately is recovering.”
“Lack of PPE appears to be a worldwide problem but staff should NOT be expected to work with inadequate kit”.
“I contacted multiple centres regarding a test while I was symptomatic but was not given a test. Not knowing whether I have had COVID-19 is still a source of anxiety and apprehension. And if I become unwell again I will still have to re-isolate as I was not diagnosed during my initial period of isolation.”
“Although PPE is available in theatre, many staff do not fit the masks which has caused staffing issues and reduced the efficiency of theatres. The available masks are extremely uncomfortable to wear in long operations. A solution for this would be to wear hoods but there are extremely limited numbers of hoods available.”
“Myself and my colleague just feel we are not protected in our practice in this difficult time.”
Wales Survey Results
I now believe there is a supply of adequate PPE in my health board, enabling me to do my job as safely as possible.
Rate on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is to disagree strongly and 5 is strongly agree.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total agree |
Total disagree |
Neutral |
Total |
|
28 (17.7%) |
27 (17.1%) |
48 (30.4%) |
32 (20.3%) |
23 (14.6%) |
55 (34.8%) |
55 (34.8%) |
48 (30.4%) |
158 |
There has been a shortage of PPE equipment in my trust in the past 30 days. Rate on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is to disagree strongly and 5 is strongly agree.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total agree |
Total disagree |
Neutral |
Total |
|
23 (14.0%) |
15 (9.1%) |
33 (20.1%) |
37 (22.6%) |
56 (34.1%) |
93 56.7% |
38 (23.2%) |
33 (20.1%) |
164 |
I believe I would be able to access a COVID-19 test for myself if I needed one. Rate on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is to disagree strongly and 5 is strongly agree.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total agree |
Total disagree |
Neutral |
Total |
|
37 (23.3%) |
25 (15.7%) |
30 (18.9%) |
28 (17.6%) |
39 (24.5%) |
67 42.1% |
62 39.0% |
30 18.9% |
159 |
|
|
Yes |
No |
Total |
|
Have you had to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis because you have shown symptoms? |
30 (18%) |
140 (82%) |
170 |
Notes to editors
- The RCS survey fieldwork ran from 6 April 2020 – 9 April 2020. The survey was completed by 164 surgeons and surgical trainees in Wales. Data tables enclosed.
- The RCS contributed to updated and improved guidance on PPE, issued by NHS England, on 2 April 2020: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/updated-ppe-guidance-our-response/
- More than 1,500 NHS Wales staff had been tested for COVID-19 as at 2 April 2020. See, for example, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52134892
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/
- For more information, please contact the RCS press office: telephone: 020 7869 6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries – 020 7869 6056.