NHS staff can refuse to treat C19 patients if they do not have the correct PPE

Well, it should be the same here, according to legislation.

I do not know about UK laws, but in my area you have a legal obligation to refuse unsafe work. The employer is legally required to ensure that the situation is rectified.

I'd certainly think twice as hospitals are rife with bugs at the best of times but as things are the atmosphere in which the staff are working in the air will be thick with the virus. It's shocking to say the least. I'd want a space suit !

Their Union has sent a strong message of support. I’d be scared to do front line jobs without adequate protection.

In fact not being supplied with the correct PPE to do a job is breaking the law. All this problem is due to the government not planning ahead for such a crisis. If they hadn't cut funding to the NHS we would to be in this situation.

The frontline staff have their own health, and that of their families to think of; the ripple effect.

I can’t imagine anyone walking away and leaving a patient but they could well refuse to start their shift in the first place.

Me too SC. It's disgusting that that shower that ponce about on national TV have put medical staff in that position.

Imagine THAT on national TV (being watched internationally), that UK medics are unable to treat sick patients because they don't have the equipment. In a first world country.

I’m sure that it will be a last resort for all frontline staff but they’re quite right - why should they be used as cannon fodder? I support any healthcare worker who refuses to work without the correct PPE 100%.

As with any worker, they may refuse to treat patients if it's not safe to do so, but can they in fact leave a sick person to suffer without their care and treatment. It's a really difficult, I would say impossible, thing to do. So our NHS and care workers are at much greater risk than they should be.

Apparently 2 porters have died, seems that everyone in frequent contact needs PPE.

What else can they do? There’s no point in sacrificing themselves when so many other people will need their skills later on.

The RCN are quite right. We simply can't expect people to risk their lives just by doing their job. We don't want them to pass on the infection to others, either.