Supplies only increased after 'extensive lobbying' and Covid escalation in care homes, a report found.
There is "clear evidence" there were personal protective equipment shortages across the health sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, the NI Audit Office has found.
The Department of Health has welcomed the report, saying it highlighted the "enormous challenges that faced the health service at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic".The RCN has said the report provides graphic confirmation of the "serious concerns that were raised by nursing staff". Nearly £400m of PPE was purchased by the BSO between January 2020 and April 2021, compared with £3m spent in 2019.Nearly £400m was spent on PPE between January 2020 and April 2021, compared with £3m in 2019According to the auditor, procurement involved the use of direct award contracts, in which contracts are awarded without competition.Within the health and social care sector pre-Covid, prices increased by 957% for gowns and 1,314% for Type IIR masks.
However, he also said that while the entire system was "under immense pressure to identify new sources and secure orders", lessons must be learned. The report highlights that by July 2021, accumulated PPE stocks amounted to a 71-week supply, which exceeded the target of 12 weeks' supply.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Covid-19: One more Covid-related death and 1,908 casesThe total number of deaths linked to the virus reported by Stormont's Department of Health is 3,208.
Read more »
Covid-19: Three more Covid-related deaths and 1,552 casesThe total number of deaths linked to the virus reported by Stormont's Department of Health is 3,208.
Read more »
Patti LuPone Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Miss Shows of ‘Company’The 72-year-old Broadway legend tested positive Saturday and later took to Twitter to confirm the diagnosis.
Read more »
Letters: Readers offer opinions on protests against COVID-19 mandatesLetter writers weigh in with varied takes on the protesters seeking an end to vaccine mandates and the occupation in Ottawa.
Read more »
COVID-19 hospitalizations fall below 1,000 in LA CountyJUST IN: The number of COVID-positive patients in Los Angeles County hospitals has fallen below 1,000 for the first time since December, according to the latest state figures.
Read more »