We want PPE not Ireland's call, say healthcare workers

Photo Credit: Jafar Ahmed under CC licence

Healthcare workers have hit out at government plans to have people submit recordings of Ireland’s call to help front-line staff deal with the coronavirus crisis.

Lat week, Tania Banotti, head of Creative Ireland, said the online initiative would show appreciation and help to inspire medical staff on the frontline.

However, the response from many of those frontline worklers might not have been what the government expected, with posts on social media pointing out that medics are now putting their safety on the line as a result of the shortage of protective equipment.

This ICU nurse said it plainly:

ICU nurse here: do not sing that shite for me or I will quit my job 👍

— Elisha Ní Ghrádaigh (@eojeepers97) April 3, 2020

Another immediately agreed.

https://twitter.com/mrskevieg/status/1246339714073923584

“Sometimes, you just need to shout ‘stop’. If you’ll allow me to speak on behalf of Ireland’s medical workers, the last thing anyone wants to hear after a 12-hour shift in an ICU ward is ‘Ireland’s Call'” wrote Donny Mahoney on Balls.ie

Just stay at home and stay safe, said this healthcare worker.

General/Mental Health nurse here. If you have any regard for medical workers, then please don’t sing that shite!

— Dennis Tynan (@DinTynan) April 4, 2020

But many respondents referenced the lack of personal protective clothing.

If they spent more time getting the proper equipment the front line staff need to save lives instead of all the PR spin and photo opportunities for FG (care taker Government).

— Gerard Wheatley (@GerryStanding) April 4, 2020

The shortage of protective equipment has become a pressing concern for healthcare workers, even as a surge in sick patients is expected in hospitals nationwide. Last week, almost 4 out of 10 pieces assesses in a shipment of protective equipment from China were described as “unsuitable” or “not suitable for use” in clinical or other healthcare settings.