GPs at the forefront of the coronavirus are getting facial masks that expired four years ago, it turns out.
Boxes of masks distributed to multiple GP practices by NHS England are printed with an expiration date of 2016.
But in an apparent attempt to hide the problem, stickers have been applied with a later expiration date of 2021.
GPs suggested it was a clear attempt to “hide” the original date and admitted they were concerned about the quality of the equipment supplied.
Materials in face masks that filter and trap germs can be lost over time, making them less effective. The straps can also become less strong, but the mask should always be attached tightly around the face.
The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs denied that the masks were unsafe and claimed they had been relabeled after passing ‘stringent tests’.
The chilling revelation raises concerns that the NHS is ill-prepared for the epidemic with a lack of resources, including oxygen fans in hospitals.
At least 1,500 cases of the coronavirus have already been registered in the UK, but the number of infected people is expected to get out of hand.
General practitioners receive expired face masks with ‘best-before’ stickers to fight the corona virus. In the picture, the expiration date of 2016 on this mask is covered by one that says 2021. It is not clear how this happened
A Western physician, who discovered the hidden shelf-life sticker, said doctors and nurses on the front line were not getting proper protective equipment (PPE).
They said: ‘We in the primary care are concerned about the poor quality of the personal protective equipment supplied to us. Facial masks aged up to four years and the thinnest plastic aprons.
“We don’t know who could get COVID-19 in surgery, so it’s vital that we have the right equipment to protect us so that we can continue working to help patients during this crisis.”
Dr Matt Mayer, chief executive of the local medical committees for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, said Pulse Magazine that practices across the area reported inadequate personal protective equipment.
“Now to find out that it’s not only outdated, but that the expired date has apparently been deliberately hidden is staggering,” he said.
“We immediately demand a full investigation into this matter by the Department of Health and expect criminal charges to be brought if it is found to be deliberate.”
In addition to face masks, front-line doctors require single-use plastic aprons that can be thrown away between patients.
They should also be fitted with safety goggles because the germs of the coronavirus can enter through the eyes.
Eye and face protection is critical to protect health professionals from contamination when there is a risk of splashes or aerosols from blood or body fluids – such as sneezing.
GPs use cooking aprons to see coronavirus patients because they lack proper protective equipment, it is said. They should use disposable plastic aprons that prevent the spread of germs
Disposable plastic aprons should be worn on suspected coronavirus patients because close contact can cause clothing to become contaminated with germs. Disposable aprons reduce the risk of infecting other people (stock of a correct apron)
GPs have criticized officials for not providing enough PPE packages, as this puts them and patients at risk for the deadly disease.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘Any piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplied to GPs in England is safe to use and will effectively protect personnel if used correctly.
NHS Supply Chain and Public Health England have worked with manufacturers and independent test houses to formally test certain products to see if it is possible to extend their life through accelerated age testing.
“The products that pass these rigorous tests are relabelled with a new shelf life and can continue to be used. Anything that does not meet the standard will be destroyed. ‘
Last week it was announced that GPs are using cooking aprons to see sick patients because they do not have the correct protective equipment.
Faye Kirkland, a general practitioner and reporter, told BBC Radio that some doctors had to resort to cooking aprons.
She said, “I’ve heard GPs … see patients and try to use catering aprons to protect themselves because they don’t have the right equipment.”
Disposable plastic aprons should be worn on suspected coronavirus patients because close contact can result in clothing contamination.
Single-use aprons reduce the risk of infecting other people. Therefore, a standard cloth apron does not offer the same protection.
Without proper equipment, including face masks and eye protection, doctors are vulnerable to contracting the life-threatening infection.
Dr. Kirkland said that personal protective equipment (PPE) is not shared by operations, leaving some in desperate need.
NHS England claimed that it had informed all GP practices in England that ‘hundreds’ of protective packages would be shipped.
Heads of Health announced an initial supply for each practice, including 400 aprons, 300 pairs of examination gloves and 300 face masks.
And larger operations would receive repeat deliveries to ensure they have adequate amounts, NHS England said.
.