BY ALEX GREGORY
Brampton hospitals are appealing to the community to help build adequate supplies in the fight against COVID-19. William Osler Health System announced last week that it is currently running a collection drive to raise muchneeded equipment and supplies to handle an influx of cases related to the COVID- 19 Coronavirus. The health system said that the outbreak, which has impacted numerous residents throughout Brampton and beyond, requires an adequate supply of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, gowns, vented goggles and more.
“Personal protective equipment is critical to ensuring the health and safety of our patients, staff and physicians, and never has it been more important than it is right now as we fight the spread of COVID19,” says Osler’s executive vice president of clinical operations, Kiki Ferrari. “Osler staff and physicians are working tirelessly to ensure we keep our patients and the community healthy, and we are committed to providing our teams with the supports and equipment they need for safe, high-quality care delivery.”
The collection drive will run across the hospital’s three sites, including Peel Memorial, Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General, and is seeking several unused, unexpired and unopened items, including protective gloves, N95 masks and more. The health system said in a statement that while it currently has adequate supplies on-hand to meet community need, given ongoing supply chain shortages related to needed medical equipment, it is encouraging anyone who has surplus supplies to donate. Supplies given through the collective drive will be inspected, cleaned and disinfected, if needed.
“This is an unprecedented time, not only for our communities, our country and our world—but specifically for health care workers,” said Osler Foundation president and CEO Ken Mayhew last week. “Osler’s personnel have mobilized and are responding to COVID-19 with the same dedication and expertise they show day in and day out. They are health care heroes. We are grateful for the support and cooperation of the community during this difficult time.” Information on how to donate supplies can be found at williamoslerhs.ca. Cash donations to purchase equipment and support frontline workers will also be accepted, with gifts sent to Osler Foundation being doubled. Donations can be made online at oslerfoundation.org/covid 19.
