GPs on the coronavirus frontline are being supplied with face masks that expired four years ago, it has emerged.
Boxes of masks handed out to multiple GP surgeries by NHS England are printed with an expiry date of 2016.
But in an apparent attempt to conceal the issue, stickers showing a later expiry date of 2021 have been placed on top.
GPs suggested it was an apparent attempt to ‘hide’ the original date and admitted they were worried about the quality of equipment being provided.
Materials in face masks that filter and trap germs can perish over time, making them less effective. The straps may also deteriorate in strength, but the mark should always be tightly fitted to the face.
The Department of Health and Social Care denied the masks are unsafe, and claimed they have been relabelled after passing ‘stringent tests’.
The chilling revelation raises fears the NHS is ill-prepared for the epidemic with a lack of resources, including oxygen ventilators in hospitals.
At least 1,500 cases of the coronavirus have already been recorded in the UK but the number of infected people is expected to spiral out of control.
GPs are being supplied with expired face masks that have concealed ‘best before’ stickers to fight coronavirus. Pictured, the date 2016 expiry date on this mask has been covered by one which says 2021. It is not clear how this has happened
A West country-based GP, who discovered the concealed best before sticker, said doctors and nurses on the front line were not being given appropriate protective equipment (PPE).
They said: ‘We in primary care are worried about the poor quality of PPE (personal protective equipment) supplied to us. Face masks up to four years out of date and the flimsiest of plastic aprons.
‘We don’t know who coming into the surgery might have COVID-19 so it is vital that we have the right equipment to protect us so we can carry on working to help patients throughout this crisis.’
Dr Matt Mayer, chief executive of the local medical committees for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, told Pulse Magazine that practices all over the area had been reporting inadequate PPE.
‘To now find that it is not just out of date, but that the expired date has apparently been deliberately concealed is staggering,’ he said.
‘We demand a full investigation into this matter immediately by the Department of Health and expect criminal charges to be brought if this is found to have been deliberate.’
As well as face masks, doctors on the frontline need single-use plastic aprons which can be disposed of between patients.
They should also be supplied with protective eyewear because it is possible for the coronavirus germs to enter via the eyes.
Eye and face protection is critical to protect healthcare workers from contamination whenever there is a risk of splashing or aerosols of blood or body fluids – such as from a sneeze.
GPs are using cooking aprons to see coronavirus patients because they don’t have the correct protective equipment, it has been claimed. They are supposed to use disposable plastic aprons which prevent the spread of germs
Disposable plastic aprons should be worn when dealing with suspected coronavirus patients because close contact can lead to clothing becoming contaminated with germs. Single-use aprons reduce the risk of contaminating other people (stock of a correct apron)
GPs have slammed officials for not providing enough PPE kits because it puts both them and patients at risk of the killer disease.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Every piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplied to GPs in England is safe to use and will effectively protect staff if used correctly.
‘NHS Supply Chain and Public Health England have worked with manufacturers and independent testing houses to formally test certain products, to see if it is possible to extend their life via accelerated age testing.
‘The products that pass these stringent tests are subject to relabelling with a new shelf-life as appropriate and can continue to be used. All that are not up to standard will be destroyed.’
Last week it was revealed GPs are using cooking aprons to see ill patients because they don’t have the correct protective equipment.
Faye Kirkland, a GP and reporter, told BBC Radio that some doctors were having to resort to cooking aprons.
She said: ‘I’ve heard of GPs… seeing patients and trying to use catering aprons to protect themselves because they haven’t got the correct equipment.’
Disposable plastic aprons should be worn when dealing with suspected coronavirus patients because close contact can lead to clothing being contaminated.
Single-use aprons cut the risk of contaminating other people. Therefore, a standard cloth cooking apron does not offer the same protection.
Without correct equipment, including face masks and protective eyewear, doctors are vulnerable themselves to catching the life-threatening infection.
Dr Kirkland said personal protective equipment (PPE) was not being shared among surgeries, leaving some in desperate need.
NHS England claimed it had informed all GP surgeries in England that ‘hundreds’ of protective kits would be sent out.
Health chiefs announced an initial stock for each practice included 400 aprons, 300 pairs of examination gloves and 300 face masks.
And larger surgeries would receive repeat deliveries to ensure they have sufficient amounts, NHS England said.