The warning came in a tweet
from Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers, which represents healthcare trusts
across England.
Doctors and nurses are to
be asked to treat coronavirus patients without fully protective gowns and to
reuse equipment due to fears of shortages.
The decision came in a
reversal of guidance to hospitals from Public Health England on Friday.
It comes as NHS leaders
warned some hospitals' supplies could run out in 24 hours.
The BBC earlier reported
the plan was being considered as a "last resort".
Tweet from Chris Hopson
"We have now reached
the point where the national stock of fully fluid repellent gowns and
long-sleeved laboratory coats will be exhausted in the next twenty-four to
forty-eight hours," he said.
He said that national
leaders have left "no stone unturned" - but gowns that were ordered
weeks ago are currently only arriving in "fits and starts".
Public Health England
changed its guidance which until now required long-sleeved, disposable,
fluid-repellent gowns for people treating Covid-19 patients.
Now it says if these gowns
are not available, staff can wear washable medical gowns or non-fluid-repellent
equipment.
Documents seen by the BBC
said the measures were considered earlier this week to cope with "acute
supply shortages".
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