READING East MP, Matt Rodda, talks about the “outstanding” NHS staff and care workers and community spirit. He writes:

It has been over a month since the Prime Minister urged people to stay home, stay safe and save lives.

I wanted to say at the outset how proud I am of the community spirit that has been shown in Reading and Woodley. People are staying at home where they need to, our NHS and care workers have been outstanding in their courage and bravery, and volunteer groups have been providing crucial services to our most vulnerable at their time of need.

I know these measures are disruptive and difficult. I urge everyone to continue to follow the Government guidance to ensure it is safe to return – as far as possible – to normal life.

I am concerned by reports that some staff are being asked to treat coronavirus patients without the necessary equipment. Both the Royal College of Nursing and the British Medical Association have been clear that without adequate PPE, the lives of doctors and nurses are being put at risk – as well as those of their patients, colleagues, and loved ones.

It is also important to remember that care workers and other key workers may also be at risk from a lack of protective equipment. Deliveries of PPE to councils and care homes have been held up and the supply has been hard to predict adding further problems and a great deal of stress.

In response, I am calling on the Government to step up its efforts to get PPE to NHS staff and other key workers.

There have also been concerns about testing, which is also crucial in tracking down cases and stopping the spread of the epidemic, and having enough testing capacity will be very important if the lock down is phased out, to avoid a second peak of infections.

The Government has been slow to expand testing and has I believe put too much emphasis on large regional testing centres, such as one in Oxford, which NHS staff have been asked to use.

I am pleased that local NHS leaders have encouraged staff to go for tests at local centres at Reading University and elsewhere in Berkshire.

Local provision can save time, make testing easier and is particularly important for staff who do not have a car.

There are many other issues which I am working on, including calling for more support for businesses and employees, better help for charities and support for schools.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss these or other issues at mattroddampcasework@parliament.uk