A third of doctors treating patients in high-risk Covid-19 settings are often still unable to access adequate personal protective equipment, a survey reveals today.
The Royal College of Physicians reports 37% of those most at risk could not always access full-face visors and 31% could not find long-sleeved disposable gowns.
Despite assurances the Government is pursuing "every possible option" to increase supply, the RCP said general access to PPE had worsened during April.
Some 26.5% of those surveyed reported being unable to access the kit they need for managing coronavirus patients - compared with 22% in a similar survey earlier this month.
Ministers have admitted there were initially problems with getting PPE to where it was needed.
They point to figures showing more than a billion items of equipment have been shipped to the frontline.
They also highlight orders struck to secure more gear.
But an airlift of vital supplies from Turkey last week descended into farce when an RAF plane sent to collect equipment was left empty at the airport waiting for stocks.
It eventually landed with much less than the 84 tonnes of equipment the Government planned to bring to the UK.
RCP President Professor Andrew Goddard,said: "We're living through the darkest times the NHS has ever faced and this survey shows the reality of the situation facing hospital doctors at the moment.
"The lack of PPE remains their biggest concern and it is truly terrible that supply has worsened over the past three weeks rather than improved.
"Healthcare workers risking their lives couldn't care less how many billion pieces of PPE have been ordered or supplied – if it isn't there when they need it, they are in harm's way.
"Testing and PPE supply will be critical in getting 'normal' services going and we mustn't underestimate the challenges ahead."
Dr Matthew Roycroft, joint chairman of the trainees committee at the RCP said: "As a junior doctor working on the frontline of the NHS, I can say without hesitation that this has been the hardest time of my career.
"Not only are many trainees working outside of our speciality areas, but we are also doing so without fully trusting that the Government will support us when it comes to treating those with Covid-19.
"Without the right PPE my colleagues and I may find ourselves with the most awful of conundrums on our hands – having to choose between protecting our own lives or protecting those of the patients we treat.
"This isn't what any of us signed up for, and certainly isn't a decision any doctor should have to make."
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said trusts were "working hard" to address shortages, such as sharing stock and looking at safe ways of reusing some kit.
"Trust leaders have told us that, in general, after a difficult start, with the exception of visors and gowns, they now have the PPE they need," he said.
"It will be important – when the time comes for a public inquiry – to examine why the pandemic stockpile was not configured for an epidemic like the one we face today and didn't have enough gowns and visors.
"The priority for now though is to ensure a reliable supply and distribution of all types of PPE so it's available in sufficient quantities wherever it's required – and that must obviously include GP surgeries, care homes and hospices where we know distribution problems still persist."
First Secretary Dominic Raab told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show: “We’re doing everything we can in an international supply shortage to get them the PPE equipment they need.
“But it hasn't been easy. We hold our hands up. It hasn’t been easy for any country.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “It is our absolute priority to make sure that frontline healthcare staff are protected and they feel safe.
“We are working around the clock to ensure PPE is delivered as quickly as possible to those on the frontline of this global pandemic for as long as it is required and have delivered over one billion items since the outbreak began.”
