Statement: The Guardian article on PPE

Today (1 April 2020) Methodist Homes (MHA) featured in The Guardian and other national newspapers on a story about the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for care workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

We want to emphasis how important it is that sufficient PPE is given to the care sector and also to present the reality of the situation that is replicated across the care sector and the NHS, which has been documented across the media. As one of the largest and longest established providers of care in the UK it is incumbent on MHA to speak up for the older people we care for, our colleagues and the wider sector

We want to assure you that because MHA runs 160 care homes and retirement living schemes across the country, we are able to make sure that all of our sites have sufficient PPE for our employees and residents, as we are able to re-allocate and move supplies between our services. This does not, however, take away from the fact that resources are stretched and the current distribution and allocation mechanisms need to be addressed by the Government as a matter of urgency. 

Below is the full statement given to The Guardian:

We can’t stress enough the urgent need for sufficient PPE. As a large care provider, where possible, we can share PPE across neighbouring homes, but this is becoming increasingly unviable as over 50% of our services have confirmed or suspected coronavirus. The urgent need runs across our homes.

Currently 11% of our total workforce are self isolating and without testing reaching our sector as promised, it is vital that we protect our existing staff the best we can to keep them fit and able to care for our residents. Many will have serious concerns about working without sufficient PPE and we  are anxious that we may see an increase in staff  expressing concern about  coming into work without being supplied with adequate equipment.

The current allocation of 300 masks per week per home for example is insufficient, some of our homes can get through that many in one day, and the supply is patchy across the country.

The adult social care sector must not be treated as the poor relation of the NHS, our people are also working day and night with those who are most vulnerable to coronavirus and we are yet to be included in the testing that is being rolled out for NHS. This and PPE needs addressing urgently so we can keep our staff and those we care for safe”.

Sam Monaghan, CEO MHA