The Chief of Staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre says their Personal Protective equipment inventory is doing well.
Doctor Bruce Cook says they actively keep track of their numbers for gowns, surgical masks, N96 masks and gloves.
However, Dr. Cook says “In the past little bit we have noticed a decline in availability of re-stocking the equipment that we have. That is a present concern of ours right now and this is equipment that is used by everyone who works at our hospital.”
He notes it’s a provincial issue and they are looking for alternative supplies at the moment.
Dr. Cook stresses they have received amazing outside support.
“Industries that have made donations. There’s been groups in the community who have been sewing masks for us and donating those. There’s lots of support and we’re very appreciative of all of that. I think Dryden has really been pitching in to help people in the hospital.”
A Canadian Medical Association survey found close to 90% of physicians indicated that a greater availability of PPE would help reduce their anxiety around the pandemic.
Around one third of doctors in community practices said they had less than two days worth of PPE’s.
Chief of Staff Dr. Bruce Cook also believes there is enough COVID-19 testing being done in our community.
He says the main issue here is the speed at which they can get results, especially for those who are waiting to travel for other services.
Dr. Cook notes they are stuck for days waiting for results.
“If we suspect someone has COVID-19 and we are waiting for a swab. We are gowning, masking, gloving as if they do have it every single day that we are waiting for that test result.”
Dr. Cook states “The struggle in turn around time for our test results actually affects our PPE issue. I think we are doing adequate testing here but we’re just not getting the results that we need as quick as we need. That’s something that we are hoping to get some help with from the provincial level.”
The Canadian Medical Association survey found 84% of physicians indicated more testing would help ease their concerns.
To hear more from Chief of Staff Dr. Bruce Cook, visit the Audio link below.
