Health bosses say they are doing “everything” possible to ensure medical workers in the north-east have the necessary protective equipment (PPE) as and when they need it.
Chief executive of NHS Grampian, Amanda Croft, said work is ongoing to “bridge any shortfall” with local suppliers and the national distribution centre for the whole of Scotland.
There have been widespread reports of medical staff not having the required PPE and “appalling” suggestions that some nurses have had to pay from their own pockets to order masks and sanitising hand-gel online.
Such claims prompted north-east MSP Peter Chapman to write to health chiefs and demand action.
He said: “Nurses and other staff need to be given the adequate equipment in order to save lives and to protect the vulnerable against this deadly virus.”
Dr Croft said her teams are receiving daily updates on the availability of equipment.
“Our top risk is that staff aren’t protected, so we’re spending a lot of time and resources on this so we know what stock we need, who needs it and when, and where we can get it from,” she said.
“We’re doing everything we can to ensure that no member of staff, be they in hospital or community, are without the equipment they need.
“Logistically that is a really challenge, but we’re absolutely doing everything we can to ensure stock is there and available.”
