PPE supply for GPs in the UK 2020

According to a survey of general practitioners in the UK in April 2020, items of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facemasks and eye protection experienced some shortages during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Almost 19 percent of GPs in contact with possible and confirmed coronavirus patients reported no supply at all of eye protection, with a further 18 percent were experiencing shortages of eye protection. Additionally, there was a shortage of fluid-repellent facemasks for around 17 percent of GPs.
Shortages of PPE have also been revealed by doctors working in high-risk areas such as intensive care, and for hospital doctors who have contact with coronavirus patients.

The latest number of cases in the UK can be found here. For further information about the coronavirus pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.

Level of supply of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) items for GPs in contact with possible and confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in the UK as of April 2020

Characteristic	Adequate	Shortages	No supply at all	Don't know
Fluid-repellent facemasks	62.9%	16.8%	8.4%	11.9%
Aprons	79.1%	8.1%	2.6%	10.2%
Gloves	84.5%	4.8%	1.6%	9.1%
Eye protection	50.2%	18.5%	18.8%	12.6%

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Release date

May 2020

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

April 28 to April 30, 2020

Number of respondents

5,483 respondents

Special properties

UK GPs

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

The full question was worded as: "We want to ask about PPE to be used by GPs who are in contact with patients with possible or confirmed COVID-19. Over the last week, have you had adequate NHS supplies or shortages of the following PPE?"

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