SOCIAL care workers looking after a vulnerable woman in Glasgow have told of their fear as they continue to run out of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Home carers for motor neurone disease (MND) patient Bernadette Tuton are worried they are putting their lives at risk with only a “few pair of gloves” and “no masks” available.

They are growing increasingly concerned they could pass Covid-19 onto the Ruchill woman or their families unless a solution is found.

Things have been made more complicated by the fact the 51-year-old is responsible for her own care, although she is supported by the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL).

Personal assistant Karen Govan, 35, said: “Since this started, we have been told we have to wear masks and equipment because of the work we are doing.

“We do eight or 12 hour shifts within her house and she has motor neurone disease.

“We are down to our last few pairs of gloves and we have contacted so many people who have not been able to help us.

“We have never had a mask during all of this and our client was even asked if she could buy all of the equipment and she would be reimbursed, if they managed to find out if she had a budget to pay for the equipment.

“We are angry and scared by all of this. I have really bad asthma and I don’t know what would happen to me if I became sick and wasn’t able to do a shift.

“We all have our families and we are worried we could take it to them, or take it to Bernadette.

“It is five weeks down the line and no-one is telling us what to do.”

The Scottish government pledged last month everyone who provides social care will have access to appropriate PPE.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced from Monday a number of local hubs would open to distribute supplies to social care providers.

Glasgow Times: Health Secretary Jeane FreemanHealth Secretary Jeane Freeman

But, Ms Govan says they are still struggling to end their PPE supply shortage and they are growing increasingly concerned about what to do.

Ms Govan added: “We are doing her shopping and everything now and we have our own families who are concerned. Everyone is passing us from pillar to post and saying they don’t know what to do.

“We don’t even know if she has the budget to buy PPE for us or where we can even get it from.”

Etienne d’Aboville, chief executive at GCIL, said: “We’ve been concerned about the availability of PPE since the start of this and have made representations wherever possible.

“We look forward to be able to support people by passing on requests for equipment.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises the important role of everyone providing social care support, and the need to do this safely.

“The Health Secretary announced last week that local social care PPE Hubs that were established last month will be receiving enhanced supplies and support so that they can distribute to the whole of the social care sector where normal supply routes have failed. These Hubs have now also extended their provision to include Personal Assistants and unpaid or family carers.

“From this week, Personal Assistants can contact the NHS NSS Social Care PPE Triage helpline on 0300 303 3020, and be put in touch with their local PPE Hub. The helpline details, and further advice about PPE for Personal Assistants who provide support with personal care such as washing or dressing, are on the Scottish Government website.

“We are also working with the Scottish Personal Assistant Employer Network (SPAEN), local independent support organisations and Disabled People’s Organisations to ensure Personal Assistants have access to the right information on PPE.”