Dozens of nurses are trying to collect masks and other supplies through donations to fight coronavirus.
They’re posting to Facebook looking for these donations.
The action comes one week after 25 Investigates first reported concerns from nurses who said they’re being asked to reuse some of their protective gear.
On Tuesday, the nurses union and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston came together to address concerns through a virtual news conference.
And, the hospital is on board with this approach.
“That’s what nurses are. We don’t run from a fight, we face it head on,” said nurse Trish Powers.
Nurses at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and all healthcare workers are facing a fight like they've never seen before.
As 25 Investigates first reported in early March, nurses at hospitals across the state are worried about their own safety. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a shortage of personal protective gear, namely N95 masks.
So Brigham nurses took to Facebook asking for donations, and they’re getting them.
“We have got in a lot of stuff. And what we plan on doing is when and if the hopital runs out, that we are then prepared to protect ourselves and our colleagues,” Powers said.
The hospital is on board.
They’re working together and will inventory donations and inspect whatever comes in.
In fact, a Lowe’s in New Hampshire donated all their N95 masks to the Brigham.
“It’s been a challenge. We know that there is a shortage nationwide, worldwide. We are like every other healthcare institution in the country. We are putting conservation measures in place. We are very comfortable with them,” said Madelyn Pearson, chief nursing officer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
As 25 Investigates first reported last week, part of the conservation effort is to reuse masks, a CDC safety measure that has loosened in response to the crisis.
“This is unprecedented. If we know there is a potential that we could possibly run out in this hospital or this state, we need to do that,” Powers said.
Hospital administrators say the goal is to keep providers safe from a threat that has already landed at their door.
Two employees at the Brigham have tested positive for COVID-19, and 93 employees are furloughed for 14 days for potential exposure to a person infected with coronavirus.
“We’re all in this together. not just hear at the hospital, but as a community,” Powers said.
A Massachusetts Nurses Association representative at the Brigham said they’ve even received racquetball and ski goggles that they'll hold onto in case it gets to that point.
The governor was asked about this Tuesday. He said the state is pushing the federal government for more personal protective equipment from the national stockpile, while also pursuing manufacturers on their own.
MORE: Tent set up outside Carney Hospital in Dorchester for coronavirus testing
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