MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — Personal Protective Equipment or PPE for short is essential for essential workers doing battle with coronavirus right now in Ohio. Hospitals across the state are preparing for the predicted surge in COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks — something that could drastically impact the availability of PPE.
Southwest General Hospital is at 50 to 60% capacity right now.
The hospital's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fred Plecha, said their supply of medical gowns, masks, and gloves are good right now, but he worries that could rapidly change once the surge hits.
"If we have a lot of activity this week, that will stress our supplies and I'm concerned about reordering," he said. Challenges hospitals across the state and country are also dealing with right now, he explained.
Guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control on PPE have continued to change rapidly since the pandemic started to infiltrate Ohio.
"Our recommendations have changed from what they were a month ago because our experience and exposure has changed from a month ago," said Plecha.
