STAFF at a Greenock hospital where four patients have died following a coronavirus outbreak claim that they have been told to reuse single-use PPE and say that they are 'scared' to use a whistleblower line for fear of repercussions.

A source at Orchard View dementia care facility says nurses have been instructed to use one-use protective visors multiple times.

It's also claimed that staff have been given plastic aprons to wear instead of gowns.

But an insider who attempted to report concerns says that an NHS whistleblower system demanded that they could not remain anonymous.

One member of staff told the Telegraph that up to a dozen people within Orchard View's Willow Ward have contracted Covid -19 since the outbreak began early this month.

There are fears the death toll could increase.

The source said: "Around 12 people contracted coronavirus and four people have passed away and some of the patients are in palliative care.

"The staff are all doing the right thing and trying their hardest but they need something to be done.

"A call was made to the whistleblower line but they wanted a contact name and number.

"Staff are scared to speak up in case it goes against them."

Another Orchard View insider said: "The management tell staff to wash their visors and keep reusing them for the whole shift.

"That is a no-no.

"Infection control would not allow it — they are one-use.

"Staff are also being told to wear plastic aprons when they should have full blue gowns on.

"There are also Covid patients walking around the ward."

The Telegraph reported last week how a number of patients at Orchard View had died after contracting the virus.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde confirmed the outbreak but refused to say how many people had passed away.

The health board today failed to address the specific PPE claims made by staff at the £7m unit but insisted yesterday that the 'correct and appropriate' use of PPE is practised 'at all times'.

In a statement the board said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of patients who have died at the Orchard View facility.

"We appreciate how worrying and difficult a time this is for our patients and their families and we apologise for any anxiety caused.

"The safety of our patients and staff is our utmost priority.

"Across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we adhere to strict infection prevention and control guidelines as set out in national guidance.

"This includes the correct and appropriate use of PPE at all times."

On the question of the whistleblower line, the health board said: "We always support staff to speak up if they believe things are not working as they should.

"All staff who raise concerns are protected to do so through the independent NHS confidential advice and information line managed by the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman. The advice line can be contacted at 0800 008 6112.

"These enable staff to raise concerns confidentially and to have them investigated.

"NHS GGC also has a dedicated non-executive whistleblowing champion who works to ensure that the health board is complying with the whistleblowing policy and promote a policy of openness where staff feel confident to raise the concerns they have.

"The non-executive whistleblowing champion appointed for NHS GGC is Charles Vincent, a highly experienced corporate board member, who has worked in a number of highly regulated industries."

The Willow Ward remains closed at present due to the outbreak and regular testing is taking place to help bring the outbreak under control.

The health board's spokesperson said: "Following identification of Covid-19 cases within the Willow Ward, and in line with national guidance, the ward was closed to new admissions.

"All staff are being tested twice weekly and patients who remain negative are re-tested every four days until the ward reopens.

"Our staff continue to adhere to strict infection prevention and control guidelines during this time."