New Era Veterinary Hospital donated 150 gowns and 500 masks after health bosses requested any surplus equipment as they wait for an order to arrive.
The JEP has asked on several occasions if the Health Department had adequate personal protective equipment for all frontline health workers and has not received a response.
Serious concerns have been raised about access to protective equipment in the UK.
Yesterday, Dr Ivan Muscat, Jersey’s medical officer of health, told a press conference: ‘The world as a whole is chasing PPE and we are no different. I don’t think we can ever sensibly say we have enough PPE in the Island, as this is something that is going continue for many weeks to come.
‘We continually order more and more PPE to ensure we have adequate stock for the immediate few weeks. This is no different to anywhere else. Lots of places are going through PPE at a considerable rate and they are ordering more to stay on top of things.’
Several frontline health workers in Jersey have already tested positive for Covid-19 and dozens have died from the disease around the world.
Willem van Schaik, professor in microbiology and infection at the University of Birmingham, said that based on evidence from two other coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, scientists know that ‘exposure to higher doses are associated with a worse outcome and this may be likely in the case of Covid-19 as well’. It is a factor known as viral loading.
John Hamilton, clinical director, practice manager and senior vet at New Era, said the firm was delighted to help the fight against the virus.
He said in a statement: ‘We are aware that further supplies are on their way to the Hospital staff but very pleased to be able to help until these arrive.’
A post on Facebook said that the vets had stockpiled PPE equipment, as it foresaw problems in securing it as the crisis worsened. But in line with advice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, vets are now only carrying out emergency procedures to protect staff and help slow the spread.
The post read: ‘We were approached by our medical colleagues, as they didn’t have enough for all the doctors and nurses that are working at the Hospital and in the community.
‘This is the veterinary staff trying to help out, as these people will be there trying to save all our lives if we fall ill.’
The supply of medicines continues interrupted.
Meanwhile, Mr Hamilton said the firm was disappointed that veterinary practices were excluded from the Coronavirus Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme. The scheme allows employers to claim up to 80% of their staff’s salaries up to a pay-out of £1,600.
Mr Hamilton said the firm’s revenues were dropping because many procedures could not be carried out but they still had overheads and staff to pay, as they had to remain open for emergencies.
‘It is very disappointing and surprising to us,’ he added.
In the UK from 1 March for at least three months, companies can furlough employees. The UK government will pay up to 80% of people’s wages, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. Anyone working in a full-time job on 28 February 28 can be furloughed. This includes people on zero-hours contracts or those working flexibly.
