We have seen many messages in the press about PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and shortages. I get briefings around the levels we have for our public services and locally supplies are robust either through the normal channels or via the LRF. (The Local Resilience Forum is a back up structure coordinating our key public services, both emergency services and local authorities, with military support if required).
One of the problems in the discussions around PPE is that not everyone agrees on what PPE is appropriate. Public Health England in conjunction with the national colleges have advised what it thinks is appropriate and this is what is being provided to front line workers. I get a number of representations from these workers who vehemently disagree with the level of equipment provided and I don’t dispute their concerns and I share them with ministers but I do not profess to be more of an expert than either them or PHE.
From the stories I hear from our front line my admiration just grows and my team and I will do everything we can to support them.
Paul Howell MP
Member of Parliament
for Sedgefield
paul.howell.mp@parliament.uk
07464 898442
