PPE taskforce set up over shortage and quality concerns
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A UNION today welcomed an agreement with the Scottish Government to create a PPE taskforce.
UNISON said the taskforce was aimed at addressing the significant problems faced by health and care staff across the country.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman met union officials this morning to discuss ongoing concerns about the availability, distribution and quality of PPE.
The union said some staff were being asked to wipe down and re-use gowns designed for single use and many did not have confidence in materials used to clean visors. They added that staff were advised to regularly change face masks – but did not have enough to last a full shift.
Some workers, it added, were using poor-quality aprons that were not fit for purpose. It also said some managers reported not having enough PPE and that it was very stressful to work with such low stocks.
Willie Duffy, the union's head of health in Scotland, said: "The least staff should expect is to be safe at work and we are pleased the Cabinet secretary has agreed to meet regularly with UNISON so we can continue to improve the provision of safety equipment for staff across the NHS.
"Our meetings with government throughout the coronavirus pandemic have been robust and sometimes difficult, but they are held in good faith on both sides and we look forward to continuing with that."
Thomas Waterson, chairman of the UNISON Scotland health committee, said: "Our members have come to us in their droves to express their concerns about PPE availability, distribution and quality. The creation of a PPE taskforce will allow us to continue to voice our members' concerns straight to the top of government."
