Half of nursing staff, including those working in in the most high-risk environments, have felt pressure to carry out their work without the levels of protection set out in official guidance, the RCN can reveal. High-risk environments include areas where patients with or suspected of having COVID-19 were being treated on ventilators.
Of those treating possible or confirmed COVID-19 patients in these high-risk areas, nearly half of those surveyed from Northern Ireland (42%) reported that they are being asked to re-use items of PPE that are marked single use by manufacturers. Of those treating COVID-19 patients elsewhere, over a third (38%) said they were being asked to re-use this equipment.
Almost three quarters (73%) of those surveyed from Northern Ireland also revealed they had raised concerns about PPE and 22% said that these concerns had not been addressed.
The findings are from a survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing to provide a snapshot of PPE shortages over the Easter weekend. The results are to be shared directly with associated government agencies and regulators, including the Health and Safety Executive.
Pat Cullen, Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland said:
“We all know that nursing staff have been under enormous pressure during this pandemic, however it is shocking to find that nurses are feeling pressurised to work without the protection they need.
“This is an anxious and worrying time for staff, and they must have the reassurance that they can do their jobs with all of the equipment necessary. Time and time again we have been on record as saying this, and it is disappointing to find that there are still problems.
“Nurses carry out the majority of direct patient care and, while we acknowledge that these are extremely challenging times, we must resolve these issues. If we don’t, this will inevitably lead to further problems.”
The experiences of nursing staff from Northern Ireland also confirms that:
- Almost a quarter of nursing staff treating COVID-19 positive patients not on ventilators report an immediate lack of face and eye protection;
- Less than half of nursing staff (48%) believe they have enough alcohol hand rub;
- One in ten nurses are relying on face or eye protection they have bought or homemade.
- Over half of nurses in Northern Ireland did not have access to either suitable changing facilities (51%) or washing/ showering facilities (58%).
Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
“These figures unmask the gut-wrenching shortages nursing staff are dealing with in all health care settings. It is little wonder they are in such fear for their own safety and that of their patients.
“This crisis is taking the lives of nursing staff, and their colleagues feel they’ve been left exposed. All decision makers involved here need to get an urgent grip on the situation. Nursing staff just want to do their jobs – they must be given protection in order to do so.”
The full survey report is attached.
