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Concerns about the quality of some protective equipment imported into Ireland from China amid the coronavirus pandemic have emerged across the country.<\/p>\nConcerns about the quality of some protective equipment imported into Ireland from China amid the coronavirus pandemic have emerged across the country.<\/p>\n
Images posted online show gowns with three-quarter length sleeves, leaving arms exposed.<\/p>\n
Health chiefs have acknowledged supplies in some cases are different to what medics here are used to.<\/p>\n
They are attempting to source additional equipment.<\/p>\n
A \u20ac200m order has seen plane-loads of kit arriving in Ireland over recent days.<\/p>\n
It is intended to protect doctors and nurses who are braced for a surge in the number of Covid-19 patients in the country\u2019s hospitals over coming weeks.<\/p>\n
However, the Department of Health has confirmed that no joint order has been placed for personal protective equipment (PPE) from China in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive<\/p>\n
A spokeswoman said: \u201cWe are ready to discuss any area where we can co-operate effectively, North and South, including on procurement of PPE and critical supplies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn relation to procurement, while it has not so far proved possible to place a joint order in the context of what is an increasingly challenging international environment, discussions between procurement teams are ongoing and active, and it remains our intention to continue to co-operate in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said: \u201cThe equipment that is available in some circumstances is different to that which our healthcare professionals are used to.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is being tested and assessed by the Health Service Executive.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood use will be found for it. We will continue to look for additional equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has become such a competitive environment for this equipment and we are looking at this all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Reid, HSE chief executive, said supplies had been arriving on Aer Lingus flights since Sunday.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe are engaged worldwide to secure alternative stocks should these supplies not materialize to the extent that we expect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a very competitive worldwide market but our procurement teams have done really well to secure what we have to date.\u201d<\/p>\n