Thread by @ShehabKhan

NEW: Have spent the morning talking to several doctors across the country, in London, the North East and the Midlands about how the #NHS it dealing with #COVID19.

What I’ve been told is eye opening. Please give this thread a read:

1/6

Multiple doctors told me that me that #COVID19 tests are taking up to 5 days to come back. In that time patients cannot be kept in isolation because of lack of space.

So in that 3-5 day period, if they have Corona virus they are exposed to staff and other patients.

2/6

Doctor in North East says they are running low on oxygen cylinders and ran out of FFP3 masks (those are the good ones) on Tuesday for all wards other than intensive care units.

NHS staff on other wards are at risk and wearing flimsy surgical masks, which aren't as good.

3/6

In the West Midlands at one hospital doctors have been advised not to wear masks unless there is a confirmed case purely because of low supply.

Even if there is a suspected case, doctors are told not to wear a mask until confirmation, simply because there isn't enough.

4/6

Doctor in London tells me they are struggling with PPE supplies in intensive care and A&E and are deeply concerned about patients arriving to visit loved ones in maternity units etc, when they are displaying symptoms.

5/6

Every doctor I spoke to today has stressed, we should all be careful, we should all stay at home and do everything we minimise transmission.

It's a difficult period and they are all doing everything they can to help those who need it most.

6/6

To add another tweet - that thread is a plea to anyone and everyone who isn't taking government advice seriously. That's the situation we are in, do EVERYTHING you can to slowdown transmission.

IMPORTANT: I should add, that I spoke to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock about this issues yesterday.

He told me he is urgently working on getting PPE equipment to doctors around the country.

https://twitter.com/ShehabKhan/status/1240952751724560384