THUNDER BAY — Confederation College has donated thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment for use by frontline caregivers who may be exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
The college says its recent contributions include more than 25,000 pairs of gloves, close to 2,700 face masks and shields, and an assortment of medical gowns, goggles, hand sanitizer and sterilizing wipes.
The equipment was distributed to the Northern Supply Chain, the shared services program supporting 36 member hospitals and 37 child welfare agencies across northern Ontario, along with associate members of the North West and North East Local Health Integration Networks.
The college says it has also loaned equipment to the hospital in Dryden.
The Regional Health Centre there received hospital beds and adjustable bedside tables, privacy dividers, wheelchairs, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, a vital signs machine, medication cart and patient lift.
College President Kathleen Lynch said the college is pleased to be able to help support the health and well-being of residents across the region.
"It also gives us great comfort and pride to know that our communities are further supported by skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate Confederation College alumni," Lynch said, noting that many graduates are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response in the fields of health care, transportation, emergency services, public safety, food security and others.
"On behalf of our entire college community, I thank you and all frontline staff for the courageous work you are doing each and very day, " she said.
