Qualitative data confirmed a high level of concern regarding the paucity
of PPE. This was largely attributed to lack of stock availability
related to the worldwide shortage. “All stock on back order.
Can’t get anything” , “Local suppliers have run out and orders
placed are taking longer to process” . However, some responses spoke of
management rationing PPE for nurses; “Office manager refused to
allow me to order decent supply at start of pandemic”; “PHN only
giving limited stock of masks”; The masks available have been kept
aside by the practice manager who allocates them. No surgical masks or
P2 have been allocated to nurses”. Several respondents commented on
hospitals being prioritised with PPE supply: “We are told
hospitals need them more than us”, with suppliers “reserving
stock for those who actually have COVID19”, or to their own
organisations informing them that they do not need PPE since there is“minimal face-to-face assessment, if the person is COVID19
positive or suspected, face-to-face assessment cannot occur” .