Frontline staff at Inverclyde Royal say they are being asked to treat COVID-19 patients without proper protection.

A reported shortage in personal protective equipment vital in the fight to stop the spread of the virus and prevent staff from falling ill has sparked major concern.

Staff have told ou sister paper The Greenock Telegraph they are having to care for patients without all the necessary essentials like masks, safety glasses, gloves, aprons and suits.

The hospital is understood to be treating a number of patients with the virus although the authorities have refused to release any information about local cases since the outbreak began.

One staff member said: "We have patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and we are treating them without the protective equipment we need.

"In particular visors are an issue.

"We are being told to carry on and care for them even though we have no protection.

"Management just say there is a shortage across the health board.

"We need to do something and we need to do it now.

"Who is going to look after these patients when all the staff are ill?

"We are expecting a rise in demand next week and now our staff could have the virus as well.

"We love the NHS and we are protective of it.

"We are speaking out so that we can get the protection we need.

"I hope this means something positive will happen.

"We need action now."

Union officials say they have been told repeatedly by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that there are enough supplies.

Unison Clyde divisional convenor Raymond O’Donoghue said he was angered to hear what whistleblowers had told the Tele.

He said: "We have asked the question and we have been assured there is enough equipment.

"This is appalling.

"Staff need to speak to their line managers and contact the union as a matter of urgency."

The Telegraph has been contacted by several people regarding concerns about protective gear.

One family member also demanded action online in a message to the First Minister.

He said: "My partner works at Inverclyde Royal and is at home with symptoms of the virus. I was totally astounded to be told by her that the staff in the hospital don't have the correct protective clothes to deal with this virus.

"Can you please reply to me to tell me why this is the case?"

When the Tele put questions to the health board they tols us they wanted to 'thank all staff for continuing to care for patients and keeping them safe in response to COVID-19'.

A spokeswoman added: "We follow the national guidance on COVID-19, including the latest guidance issued by Health Protection Scotland in relation to what PPE is necessary for all of our staff.

"As per guidance, staff receive appropriate PPE for performing their duties.

"We are receiving supplies daily at all our sites and have staff on each site ensuring supplies are going to the areas that require them.

"We are also working closely with Scottish Government to ensure we are accessing appropriate stocks."