Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is hurting the healthcare industry as hospitals struggle and plan to help their community when COVID-19 grows rapidly through the United States.
There is a current shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worldwide for healthcare workers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). PPE consists of sterilized gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns healthcare workers use to protect themselves and patients from all diseases present. A shortage means that healthcare workers cannot adequately care and prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19 through the healthcare industries.
“The unique nature of this outbreak means that a high number of people require care at the same time, straining health system staff, bedspace and other resources,” said Kristy Bleizeffer, the public and media relations representative, writer and spokeswoman for Wyoming Medical Center (WMC) in Casper, Wyoming. “Staying home as much as possible helps limit the spread of the disease and lowers the number of people who will get very sick and require hospitalization.”
Even though the peak of COVID-19 cases is not expected for another couple of weeks in Wyoming, WMC has halted procedures deemed not medically necessary to ration their supply of PPE and other essential resources.
Cuts to surgeries, including elective surgery that is deemed not medically necessary, cost these healthcare industries significantly because one of the region’s smallest hospitals could lose up to $1 million, according to the Buffalo Business First.
“Our infection control team meets daily to refine our processes, protecting our stock of PPE and ensuring we are ready for the days and weeks ahead,” said Bleizeffer.
The shortage of PPE came due to panic leading to overbuying, hoarding, and misuse of the PPE. Cost for surgical masks, a necessity against COVID-19, rose sixfold, according to WHO. WHO urges that PPE be used sparingly in healthcare industries and for governments to find a way to increase the production of these necessary items.
“Follow social distancing guidelines and stay home when you can,” said Bleizeffer.
Wyoming Medical Center is working with Natrona County, Casper, and its health department to plan for a possible large increase in COVID-19 cases. The Respiratory Symptom Screening Clinic in Casper is being used to evaluate and treat respiratory symptoms to keep COVID-19 from spreading between vulnerable emergency room patients and staff. To maintain contact with patients, virtual appointments are currently being used.
“Healthcare is a calling, and it is inspiring to see how our employees and our community have pulled together in response to this pandemic,” said Bleizeffer. Frontline healthcare workers are told how appreciated and important their sacrifices are by the food donated to the respiratory clinic.
WMC announced their need for PPE March 26. On their website, they give way for the community to make all PPE from cloth masks to surgical gowns. Donations for these resources are made so the community can maintain social distancing and donate to the hospital. Making PPE for hospitals in need can be a fantastic way for both local help hospitals and be productive during the quarantine.
“The outpouring of support from Casper and Natrona County has just been amazing,” said Bleizeffer.
More than 1,000 handmade masks and 100 isolation gowns have been made for Wyoming Medical Center.
“We are truly grateful for [citizens of Natrona County’s] support.”
