Personal protective equipment is so low in one intensive care unit at a Sydney hospital that for several weeks doctors and nurses have been forced to make their own protective face shields out of stationery supplies.

DIY face shields: Westmead ICU staff shared instructions with other hospitals.

“I am sure they don’t meet infection control standards but we have no other option,” said a member of the intensive care unit (ICU) at Sutherland Hospital.

Up to 50 intensive care doctors and nurses have been wearing homemade face shields made from clear plastic binding covers used in stationery, “sticking some foam to the top of it and using tape to tie it around our heads,” said the staff member.

The ICU staff became further concerned about the adequacy of their personal protective equipment (PPE) after being alerted that they were using the wrong masks while treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.