Kaleida Health today announced that it has received its most recent planned shipment of protective face masks. The group is still searching for many other critical supplies including N95 masks, ventilators, gloves and more.
Purchased from Foam Depot, Inc., the one million surgical/procedural masks, are the types that the hospital system is using with its “universal masking” guidelines. They are available for staff and visitors to use in all Kaleida sites, including in hospitals, long term care and home care.
“We continue to deliver on our promise to keep our workforce safe and healthy during this public health crisis,” said Jody Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “I know I have said this previously but it is important to point this out again: hospital supply chain systems are slammed right now, forcing us to compete for supplies, especially personal protective equipment (PPE) on an international level. That said, our purchasing team has been relentless in their pursuits, and they are running down every vendor, supply lead and partner that we have for equipment, supplies and PPE. I cannot thank that team & all of those involved for their hard work on this important issue.”
Lomeo says it is following the State’s lead in “continuing to stockpile supplies in preparation for the apex of the curve.”
Masks, gloves, gowns and durable equipment (ventilators, beds, IV pumps) remain in high demand. Lomeo said that the organization is working to acquire adequate supply for the upcoming surge. Depending on time of day and date of week, Kaleida Health remains at 2.0-3.0 weeks (not including masks) PPE available for its caregivers.
Important to point out that the N95 masks remain the biggest challenge for Kaleida Health and virtually every hospital systems across the country. The purchasing and supply chain teams at Kaleida Health continue to work on tripling or quadrupling its inventory over the next week or two.
Lomeo concluded by saying, “Thanks to the incredible hard work, dedication and passion of our workforce, Kaleida Health continues to see and treat the majority of coronavirus cases in the community. In order for us to continue to be able to do that, we will work non-stop to ensure that our caregivers are safe and healthy. Our purchasing, procurement and supply chain efforts are laser focused on our staff and their ability to take care of patients. A special note of gratitude goes out to all of those who have volunteered thus far to care for COVID-19 patients across the Kaleida Health system.”
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