Senior management at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley have refuted claims that the Trust have run out of elements of PPE during the battle against Coronavirus.

Following posts on social media from staff and patients, the Trust's Chief Executive, Diane Wake, has fought back, saying that the hospital has sufficient stock and are receiving further supplies daily. Ms Wake said:

"I would like to reassure our staff, patients and the public that we have sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment including face masks, disposable gowns and scrubs to keep our staff safe while they are looking after our patients.

"We are taking delivery of equipment every day and ensuring the appropriate PPE is delivered direct to all wards and departments where it is needed. We are following national guidance for the protection of our staff and that means there are different requirements depending on the nature of their work and the area they work in."

The defence follows a number of posts which have emerged on Facebook and Twitter, suggesting that key departments - specifically the hospitals busy A&E facility - have run out of essential protective kit. However Ms Wake was quick to rubbish the claims, adding:

"I completely understand anxiety amongst our staff is running high at this very difficult time but it is important for everyone to know that we are both receiving and using correctly regular supplies of protective equipment, in line with national guidance, to make sure our patients, staff, agency workers, volunteers and other colleagues are protected and can stay safe.

"It’s really important that staff use PPE correctly and we have daily training for any staff wearing PPE including face fit testing for masks.

"We know how hard this is for our staff on the front line and we are ensuring supplies are getting to all areas. The reports on social media are incorrect and causing unnecessary worry and concern. There is no stronger advocate for keeping our staff safe than me."