Health chiefs in Tayside have moved to reassure staff following claims out of date protective equipment was given to frontline workers at Perth Royal Infirmary.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said he had been contacted by concerned healthcare professionals at the hospital who reported being offered respirator face masks which had exceeded their expiry date.
It is understood the issue came to light after employees were asked to carry out a “fit test” to make sure the equipment could be used effectively.
Mr Fraser has called for action to address the fears of medical staff who say they have been left to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic without the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and vowed to raise the issue with Health Secretary Jeane Freeman.
He said: “I was very concerned after being contacted by staff at PRI about the fact that PPE has not been made available to them.
“These are individuals who will be working with patients who have Covid-19. They are understandably concerned about the risks of infection to themselves and their families.
“I will be pressing the health minister, Jeane Freeman, to ensure that all NHS staff have the sufficient PPE that they need.”
Claire Pearce, director of nursing and midwifery at NHS Tayside, said the health board is “committed to keeping all of our staff safe and ensuring that they have access to appropriate PPE”.
“Stocks of PPE are held at appropriate ward and departmental levels as well as buffer stock held in specific hubs,” she said.
“Staff can be assured that the guidance on PPE has been robustly risk assessed, and should continue to refer to the guidance issued by Health Protection Scotland on infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
“If staff require PPE and are unsure of what or where they can access it they can escalate any concerns at our daily huddles or contact their line manager for further advice.”
Ms Freeman wrote to all MSPs on Wednesday about coronavirus preparations being taken by the Scottish Government and local health boards.
In the letter, she said the current stock of PPE “remains adequate at this time” and said a recent order had been placed for FFP3 face masks, the same kind highlighted to Mr Fraser by medical staff at PRI.
“A single point of contact (SPoC) within each health board is managing co-ordination of PPE available on site, and ordering more as required,” Ms Freeman said.
“This system appears to be working well with decision making being quicker due to having a SPoC in place. There is a daily call with the health board contact, National Procurement and the Scottish Government where issues can be raised.”
