Response to concerns over the availability of protective equipment for nursing and midwifery professionals
Published on 23 March 2020
Read our response
Responding to concerns over the availability of protective equipment for nursing and midwifery professionals, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:
“Covid-19 means our nursing and midwifery professionals are facing the greatest challenge of their lives in providing critical care and support for those in need, right across the UK in health and social care. And it’s amazing to see the thousands of former nurses and midwives who have applied to join our NMC Covid-19 temporary register.
“It’s vital that frontline staff in health and social care are supported with testing and the provision of the right personal protective equipment for everyone in high risk areas. I know staff are worried and I also know and welcome how hard everyone at the most senior levels in health and social care in all four countries is working to make this a reality.
“The public can do their bit too. I’ve been outraged by reports in the media that clinical staff have been abused, protected shopping time in supermarkets disregarded and staff mugged for their ID badges. Health and social care staff need all of our respect and support at this incredibly difficult time.”
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