COVID-19: Update: BDA protest over lack of PPE in Urgent Treatment Centres
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- Published: Tuesday, 21 April 2020 08:40
- Written by News Editor
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The BBC has reported that dentists in England are facing "critical shortages" in personal protective equipment (PPE), forcing patients with urgent problems to "take matters into their own hands", according to the BDA. Vice-Chair Eddie Crouch explained on the BBC Radio4 Today programme.
The BBC report[i] said that over half (54%) of dentists in England say that PPE shortages are hampering efforts to treat patients at urgent dental care (UDC) hubs, according to a survey carried out by the BDA.
The BDA, which surveyed one thousand dentists, says a lack of PPE has meant some UDC hubs can’t currently treat patients. It says a third of the sites in England remain inactive, compared with just 2% across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In response, the chief dental officer for England, Sara Hurley, says there are now 219 open hubs "to provide care for those who need it" and that "every hub has the relevant PPE and work is ongoing to ensure that supply is maintained."
The BDA reported that in its survey:
- 54% of dentists say PPE shortages are hampering operations
- Two-thirds report shortages of FFP3 masks and gowns
- Half lack testing spray to ensure safe operation of kit
- 60% don’t feel fully protected.
To keep up to date with developments from the BDA, dentists should visit their Coronavirus update page[ii], which is available to all whether or not they are members and is continuously revised.
[i] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52314436
[ii] https://bda.org/advice/Coronavirus/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
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