Nurses should refuse to treat coronavirus patients “as a last resort” if they are not given adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), according to new guidance.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) issued the advice to its members in a bid to prevent more frontline deaths, following criticism of the government about the supply of protective gear for NHS staff caring for people with COVID-19.

Ministers have been accused of being too slow to deliver the equipment, putting health workers at risk and meaning those treating coronavirus patients could pass it on.