For those with some stock of PPE, respondents described “having
to reuse masks for a few shifts to make stock last” and
“sharing goggles”. Some respondents indicated that they were
making attempts to address the shortages outside the system;
“We couldn’t source long sleeved gowns when COVID hit so had some
home made.” “Gowns difficult getting supplies, resorted to making gowns out
of garbage bags.” “We have purchased stock privately …supply through PHN has
not been sufficient. Without our private supply we could not have
continued caring for patients.”