Woman who hoarded $3k of PPE equipment while doctors struggle for it: ‘they should’ve been more prepared’

As medical personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic struggle with a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a 35-year-old woman named Becca Brown, who works as an admin assistant, has surrounded herself with large numbers of masks, face covers, gloves, and other protective items.

Becca has hoarded over £2,500 ($3118,75) scarce medical gear and even went into debt to get it all.

Furthermore, she says she will not be donating any of her protective equipment to hospitals or care homes as she believes they should just have been more well prepared for the crisis.

Becca is also using some of her items to paint on, saying that it serves as a great canvas.

Her actions are bound to surprise many people, as it was recently made known that 82 NHS employees and 16 social care workers have lost their lives during the pandemic, according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

In the video below, Secretary Hancock talks about the numbers of diseased health and social care workers and reveals a new ‘Life Assurance Scheme’ consisting of a £60,000 financial package for families of staff who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

To no one’s surprise, Becca’s behavior – while medical workers are forced to wear protective equipment made of out of garbage bags – has even caused some of her friends to distance themselves from her.

The following is a list of what she used her money on:

£200 on 500 regular surgical masks

£300 on military-style face masks

£200 on coveralls

£200 on face shields (and there are more to arrive)

£100 on shoe covers

£250 on hand sanitizer

£200 on surgical gloves

£600 on food

£200 on medications

£150 on first aid kits

£100 on various other medical products

£2,500 IN TOTAL ($3118,75)

“When the coronavirus hit I decided I was going to be ready.

I spent £600 on extra food including UHT milk and canned goods.

But I also bought up dozens of paracetamol packets, throat sprays and other medicines I thought I might need.

And, that’s not all…

I shelled out extra on PPE or ‘personal protection equipment’ too, despite the NHS being in short supply.

I knew I’d need a full range of kit to protect myself and even went £700 in debt to pay for it (although I have sold some masks on eBay for five times their original price to make up the shortfall).

It’s a lot of money but worth it for the sense of control it gives me.”

“Friends have said I should donate them to the NHS but I won’t – they should have been more prepared.

I am caring for an elderly aunt outside of Portsmouth and didn’t want to be making any unnecessary trips to the shops.

So, I went online and used a credit card and savings of £2,500 to stockpile what I could – including 500 pairs of surgical gloves when they were selling at around £10 a box for 100.

Now you’re lucky to get four pairs for £10.”

“I also bought a range of face masks from medical suppliers, eBay and Amazon.

I bought five specialist respiratory masks with filters and spent £100 on three plastic masks with proper seals like the military use during gas leaks.

I got other masks too – too many to mention.

I ordered 300 face shields and got them for 20p each.

They are the type the nurses and doctors now wear over their heads and slide down to give you full face protection.”

“I also bought disposable gowns and overalls like those being used in every hospital in Britain because I wanted the same level of protection for myself.

I didn’t forget plastic shoe covers like they wear in surgery.

Meanwhile, I have more than 100 bottles of hand sanitiser, surgical wipes and first aid kits stockpiled.

But the PPE is not just to wear – it’s for my art.

I am putting together an exhibition based on the coronavirus and the items the NHS use every day is my canvas.

I used the face shields, masks, gloves and gowns to create pictures and paint the items to make three dimensional paintings.

I can’t possibly use used masks or PPE kit because that would mean I would risk infection.

I have invested in my artistic future and I have no problem using the masks and PPE equipment in my daily artwork.

If I have to work anywhere outside the house I wear my complete overall kit and masks.

It’s important to be safe and stay home because that is what the government has told us to do.

I keep all my PPE stockpile under lock and key.” 

“The few friends I have shown it to are stunned at the amount of kit I have got and have told me I should donate some to the NHS which is running short.

They’re shocked when I’ve said, ‘I am sorry I just won’t do that’.

I need my PPE kit to protect myself and for my art exhibition and won’t donate it to the NHS.

It’s not my job to ensure the NHS have proper protective personal equipment.

That’s the government’s job.

I have used my savings and bought it all legally.

Many ‘friends’ won’t speak to me anymore because of my cut-throat approach.

I know people will attack me because I have stockpiled PPE kit, medicine and food.
But people should stop moaning.

Look at everyone lining up to buy plants and soil which are not essential items – I don’t leave the house and I get food delivered.

I need every single one of the masks, face shields, gowns, sanitisers and other items I have stockpiled.

I make absolutely no apology because as an artist I have to stand by my work and my right to buy what I want.

People tell me I am being selfish not helping the nurses, doctors and hospital staff but I don’t agree.

I managed to get enough to see me through, so why didn’t the nurses, doctors and hospital staff do the same thing?

It’s the same as providing your own proper work boots on a building site or notepad and pen in class.

We pay taxes to fund the NHS and I’ve had to wait months for appointments – now suddenly they are amazing and everyone is cheering them on.

Yes I agree they are doing a great job but that is their job and what they trained for, it doesn’t mean I am about to hand over my PPE kit although I do the clap for carers.

The fact that the NHS doesn’t have enough is not my fault – that’s the fault of the government.”

What are your thoughts on Becca’s actions? Let us know by joining the conversation in the comments and please share this article if you’ve found it informative. 

Source: The Sun