The Waikato District Health Board refutes any suggestion personal protective equipment is being restricted

Doctor Sheng-yang Liao from Waikato Hospital says he wants all hospital staff to wear masks to stop coronavirus spreading, because he's concerned about his elderly patients.

Waikato DHB says it's not true staff are being prevented from accessing masks and other protective equipment.

It says masks are available in all areas of the hospital and staff have been told of their availability and use.

Waikato DHB says what's required will depend on the task, location and patient status.

It says the guidance for appropriate use of PPE is based on research, not stock levels.