Portsmouth social care worker says lack of PPE is 'worrying'

Amid concerns that social care staff in Portsmouth don't have enough protection from coronavirus, a worker has spoken about her experiences at a city nursing home.

She has told the South Coast Coronavirus Action Committee, made up of trade union representatives across Portsmouth and Southampton, that she is ‘scared’ to go into work due to a lack of PPE.

The healthcare assistant, who did not want to be named, said: ‘Until this weekend we had no PPE, apart from what we normally use, aprons and gloves.

‘We have now been given very good mouth masks, but we are only allowed one mask per 12-hour shift.

‘As we move from resident to resident, I think we should have one mask per resident, as we do with aprons and gloves.'

In Portsmouth, businesses and volunteers have been stepping in to create face masks for health care workers.

Figures from the council show there are around 4,200 adult social care workers in the city.

There has been concern across the country over the level of PPE available.

‘I don’t feel that the situation is being taken seriously by the government or by the nursing home,’ the whistleblower added.

‘As well as being scared for the residents, I am scared for myself. I am a grandmother and I want to see my grandkids grow up.'

Portsmouth City Council member, Councillor Cal Corkery, added: ‘The national PPE guidance does not go nearly far enough and I believe this is a way to try and manage insufficient stocks.

‘It is shocking that even this weak guidance does not appear to be being followed in some workplaces and the council must urgently ensure that all care homes are doing everything they can.’

But the leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, says nowhere should be struggling with PPE supplies.

He said: ‘As I understand it, everyone has access to everything that's recommended.

‘If not, we’ve got stocks that are available – we've had deliveries and we're sending that out to social care establishments across the city, both council-owned and private.’

SEE MORE: Aerial drone photos appear to show new Portsmouth coronavirus testing centre

He urged anyone needing PPE to contact the city council.

Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, said social care staff must be prioritised by the government for testing. A new testing site is running at Tipner West, off the M275.

He said: ‘With experts saying how important this is, and with growing concerns in social care increasingly being exposed, we need a clear and detailed plan from ministers about what Portsmouth can expect.

‘This must include both a comprehensive testing plan and support for home care staff and personal assistants, as well as those working in care homes.’

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