MEDICAL workers slammed the government for its “dereliction of duty” today after reports that huge national stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been found to be faulty.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued safety warnings, notices for disposal, and distribution stoppages for 85 million masks and respirators, according to an investigation by Channel 4 News.

The masks and respirators were part of the government’s pandemic stockpile and have reportedly been distributed to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries since March.