A NURSING chief has revealed frontline staff treating Covid-19 patients are "worried for their lives" due to a shortage of protective clothing - and asking should they "make a will".
Pat Cullen, director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland, last night said she had been inundated with calls from nurses who are "really, really terrified" about their risk of contracting the virus and "leaving young families behind".
Ms Cullen added that some nurses caring for "seriously ill" coronavirus patients could not access specialist masks and gowns, known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and are instead wearing 'level 1' cotton masks that tie behind their ears and plastic aprons over their uniforms.
Health minister Robin Swann insisted yesterday that "concrete action" is being taken to address the issue.
However, the RCN chief said her members in hospitals and the community are saying the equipment is "simply not on the ground".
"Some of these nurses know they are at seriously at risk and are ringing me in tears. They're saying to me, 'Am I going to leave behind my young family'," she told The Irish News.
"They want to take care of their families and they're asking should they make out wills. It's just heartbreaking.
"As of today, despite assurances by the Department of Health, nurses are telling me the PPE they have is absolutely below the standard it should be. I am very concerned about the outcomes for these nurses."
Ms Cullen said she had received 43 calls yesterday from nurses.
One nurse working in a 20-bedded nursing home told of how they received their first 'starter pack' of 18 masks and visors - but that they had to wash and share goggles and visors.
"No nurse should be sharing any equipment, this goes against all infection control protocols as set down by the World Health Organization," she added.
The RCN and other unions have asked Mr Swann to urgently roll out PPE kits and priortise coronavirus testing for staff in order to protect frontline workers, their families and patients.
Earlier this week, the Irish News revealed that nurses in the Belfast and Northern health trusts had instructed a solicitor to write to Mr Swann, such was their level of concern.
Finance minister Conor Murphy said yesterday that a "significant" consignment of PPE has been ordered from China for frontline workers.
Guidance on the use of PPE for healthcare workers is expected to be updated in the coming days.
Mr Swann said: "This is a very fluid situation and there is inevitably very high demand for PPE. It needs to be emphasised that we have substantial PPE in stock and it is being issued to the system, with more orders placed.
"Ensuring the safety of all staff who are dealing with Covid-19 patients is an absolute priority....
"We will pursue every feasible supply route, both local and international, to enhance our supplies."
