COVID-19: Health staff in plea for better protection
More than 20 healthcare organisations, including those representing nurses, doctors, surgeons and therapists, are calling for stricter UK guidelines to be introduced on face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
In a virtual meeting with officials, they will say existing rules leave them vulnerable to infection through the air, especially by new Covid variants.
The unprecedented appeal will see them argue that other countries, such as the United States, protect their health workers with higher-grade equipment.
It is thought to be the first time health and care organisations have united on a single issue in this way - a sign of the desperation many feel about the need for staff to be kept safe.
The delegation will include representatives of the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and many other professional organisations and unions.
On the government side will be about 20 of the most senior officials from all four UK nations, many involved in setting the guidelines on personal protective equipment (PPE).
Source: BBC News, 3 June 2021