Greenwich Hospital announced today the receipt of an anonymous donation to establish up to a 30-bed, dedicated, state-of-the-art unit for patients with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. This new unit will geographically cohort patients with COVID-19 to minimize infection transmission to staff and other patients in the hospital.
The COVID-19 Unit will include designated rooms where staff can don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE). These safe locations enable staff to carefully put on and remove protective gear, including isolation gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, face shields, or positive pressure protective suits that include a powered air-purifying respirator, also known as PAPR suits. The hooded PAPR suit with built-in face shield uses a portable battery-powered blower to draw air through a filter. It allows the caregiver to breathe more naturally while feeling a constant airflow. The single-unit PAPR combines respiratory, head, eye and face protection and can be customized for many work environments.
Recognizing the unprecedented challenges Greenwich Hospital frontline workers face during the COVID-19 pandemic, the anonymous donors looked to impactful, forward-thinking solutions. Commenting on their decision to support Greenwich Hospital these generous donors said, “The protection and wellness of the front-line staff and their families is key to successful patient care and to the safety of the broader population of patients and caregivers at Greenwich Hospital. We hope this gift helps our greater community for many years.”
“During the many weeks of caring for patients with coronavirus our front-line caregivers gained insight into opportunities for efficient and sustainable room design and infection protection. The resources provided by this gift will assure continued safety, comfort and protection,” said Norman G. Roth, President & CEO.