Premier League's Use of Personal Protective Equipment Sparks Controversy Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The Premier League's plans to restart behind closed doors are being scrutinized by the UK's doctors' union, the British Medical Association, who argue that the league should not be using personal protective equipment (PPE) until shortages are fully resolved. The BMA claims that the league's use of PPE could compromise the supply intended for key workers in the National Health Service (NHS). According to government guidance, if suitable PPE cannot be procured for key workers, then it should not be used for non-essential sectors such as sport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British Medical Association is calling for the Premier League to delay using PPE until shortages are resolved, citing concerns that the league's needs may compromise the supply intended for key workers in the NHS.
  • A recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing found that over a third of nurses were caring for Covid-19 patients without adequate PPE.
  • The Premier League has confirmed that it will use PPE for its players and staff, but a government spokesperson emphasized that certain items of PPE must be prioritized for health and care staff.
  • The UK government has delivered over 1.27 billion items of PPE since the start of the outbreak.
  • The chief executive of Care England has reported that the cost of PPE for care homes has surged by up to 800 per cent, with one care home spending £200,000 at the start of the year but now facing a bill of £2.7 million.
  • Labour's shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jo Stevens, has questioned whether it is right for football to be among those using PPE at this time, given the high demand for the equipment.

Statistics:

  • Over 1.27 billion items of PPE have been delivered by the UK government since the start of the outbreak.
  • Up to 800 per cent surge in the cost of PPE for care homes.
  • £200,000 spent by a care home on PPE at the start of the year, with the bill now at £2.7 million.
  • Over a third of nurses surveyed by the Royal College of Nursing were caring for Covid-19 patients without adequate PPE.

Sources:

  • British Medical Association
  • Royal College of Nursing
  • Telegraph Sport
  • PA News Agency
  • Labour's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport branch
  • Care England
  • Government guidelines
  • Premier League