While the fight against COVID-19 persists, hospitals are still struggling to secure adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and it’s not just masks that are in short supply.
Medical professionals, including nurses and doctors, are on the frontline without sufficient protection. A physician at a prominent hospital in New York City described the situation as “a petri dish.” Reports indicate that over 900 healthcare workers at the facility have contracted the virus, with an additional 3,000 calling in sick. Elmhurst Hospital in Brooklyn has also reported numerous cases among its staff, revealing a concerning trend across the nation — more than 9,000 healthcare workers have been infected, according to the CDC.
The necessity for PPE is clear: it protects our dedicated medical staff. For instance, at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, half of the intensive care unit staff fell ill with COVID-19. One nurse, who became infected and subsequently transmitted the virus to her partner, described the feeling of being “sent to slaughter.” Imagine working in an environment fraught with danger, where your loved ones are also at risk, simply because the necessary protective gear isn’t available.
When the pandemic first struck New York, doctors and nurses routinely changed gowns and masks after each patient. Eventually, they were told to wear the same gear throughout their entire shifts, with some even instructed to return their face shields and masks for sterilization. Others have been advised to keep their masks in paper bags for reuse, a practice recommended by the CDC.
This situation is unacceptable, not only for those working in hospitals but also for anyone who enters or has loved ones in these medical facilities. It endangers everyone and highlights a significant flaw in America’s healthcare system.
Videos from healthcare workers reveal the apprehension surrounding asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, with some doctors observing signs of the virus in patients who were not presenting any symptoms. Those not directly treating COVID patients face even stricter PPE restrictions, further complicating their ability to provide care safely.
Moreover, speaking out against the lack of PPE can have serious consequences. Dr. Alexander Carter faced suspension for advocating for better mask usage at his hospital. Similarly, Dr. Mia Thompson was fired for publicly addressing inadequate protections at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. In a different incident, Dr. Sam Reynolds was threatened with suspension for wearing a mask in public areas of the hospital, while Dr. Leah Morgan lost her job for organizing a Facebook campaign to secure masks for her colleagues.
These professionals, who we often herald as heroes, are being sent into battle without the necessary equipment to protect themselves. They are scared and rightfully so, as many have fallen ill and some have tragically died. Yet, they continue to serve, highlighting a grave injustice in what is often touted as the best healthcare system in the world.
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In summary, hospitals are still grappling with PPE shortages, and the lack of protective gear is a growing concern that extends beyond just masks. The plight of healthcare workers underscores the urgent need for adequate protections as they continue to face the challenges of the ongoing pandemic.
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