During the past year I have been contacted by dozens of doctors, nurses and care workers in my constituency, forced to put their lives at risk every day to continue to provide treatment and care whilst worrying about shortages and having the right kit. Doctors on Covid wards watching the countdown clock on supplies. Care workers being asked to re-use disposable PPE. Constituents contacting me about relatives tragically passing away, after contracting Covid-19 whilst working in care homes without PPE.

This week the Public Accounts Committee, of which I am a member, published a report into government provision of PPE during the pandemic.  It is vital the government learn from errors highlighted in the report, so no frontline worker is made to put their life on the line again, like many in my constituency were. We owe it to the families of those health workers who have passed away during this crisis.

During the inquiry I questioned officials on the re-use of PPE and their level of engagement with frontline workers. You can watch the clip below or the full session here. I also wrote a piece about this for Politics Home, which you can read here.

During the @CommonsPAC inquiry I questioned @DHSCgovuk officials on the re-use of #PPE and their level of engagement with frontline workers.

They must better understand the experience of frontline staff during the 1st wave to ensure we are better prepared for future emergencies. pic.twitter.com/jrg1jF3iPF

— Olivia Blake MP (@_OliviaBlake) February 10, 2021