‘VITAL’ PPE SOUGHT FOR FRONT-LINE WORKERS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — As a “gut-wrenching” military report today cites “disturbing” conditions in select LTCs, local health-care providers are calling on the public to help with a shortage of masks, gowns and more.

With PPE budgets ballooning, hospitals, paramedics, care homes and others are calling for help with “critical supplies” that are “vital” to front-line workers.

After an overwhelming initial response in Muskoka collected more than 10,000 items the past two months through private and commercial donations, the need continues as the pandemic heads into summer.
On Tuesday, May 26, a new joint regional PPE campaign was announced as it proved “vital for the ongoing provision of front line health care services in Simcoe and Muskoka,” says a release.

Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit are seeking “critical supplies from local businesses and community members to redistribute them to keep our health system operating.”

They say health and emergency services, such as, long-term care, hospitals, home and community care, first responders, and public health workers have “dramatically increased” their use of PPE to protect residents, patients and front-line workers.

“The generosity of residents and businesses to-date is greatly appreciated,” they say.

However, to cope with this rapid increase in demand for medical supplies and equipment,  more PPE is required to maintain supplies in the coming months.

PPE still in high demand includes:

  1. N95 masks
  2. Medical grade surgical masks
  3. Face shields
  4. Nitrile gloves (latex-free)
  5. Medical gowns
  6. Disinfectant wipes with bleach cleaner

Any businesses or community members looking to donate items can email EmergencyManagement@smdhu.org. Information about how and where to send donations is available at www.smdhu.org/donations.

All donations received will be collected in central depots in Simcoe and Muskoka and will be issued to local health care providers in order of priority, as determined by the province of Ontario.

They will arrange pick-up or delivery.

Businesses supplying goods for purchase can also reach out to individual partners.

Health facilities across Simcoe and Muskoka are still short of PPE and a new initiative is underway to help front-line workers.

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