The RCP has submitted evidence to the London Assembly’s health committee, as part of their COVID-19: London’s Response, Inequalities, and the Health and Care Workforce inquiry.
The submission, led by London’s regional adviser Dr Anita Banerjee and RCP registrar Donal O’Donoghue, highlighted findings from our recent COVID-19 surveys tracking the impact on the workforce. It demonstrates the ongoing challenges with access to PPE and the disproportionate impact on doctors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. A number of findings outlined in our submission were mentioned in the committee’s report pack ahead of their first hearing in June.
Key findings highlighted:
• General access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has improved but remains a significant issue. 12% of respondents in London report being unable to access the PPE they need for managing COVID patients, compared to 21% in our first survey back in April
• Fit testing remains an issue, with half (52%) of clinicians in London reporting that they have not or are not able to get fit tested for the PPE they are using
• 46% of respondents in London said they had to take time off their normal work schedule because of COVID-19. Of those who have taken time off 21% report having had a confirmed case of COVID-19 with a further 25% having taken time off with suspected COVID-19.
• Findings continue to reflect progress regarding access to testing, with 92% of those based in London reporting that they are now able to access testing for themselves, up from just 26% during our first survey (1-2 April)
• However, almost 26% still report being unable to access testing for a symptomatic member of their household.