The School of Nursing has donated over 900 pieces of protective equipment from its personal supplies to CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga and AdventHealth Gordon in Calhoun, Georgia.
The equipment included surgical masks, N95 Masks, gowns and gloves, worth more than $700. The School of Nursing uses such gears for its skill labs. With classes transitioning online, the department wanted to find a way to put them to use. The supplies will be repurchased at the department’s expense.
According to School of Nursing Dean Holly Gadd, members of the department heard of the shortage of protective supplies in local hospitals from news outlets, health officials and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
“COVID-19 is a communicable disease, spread by droplets and by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. Personal protective equipment…are an essential part of care for those with probable or known infection,” Gadd said. “Taking supplies that we aren't going to immediately use, and placing them into areas where there is a shortage and special need, is simply the right thing to do.”
Gadd said the School of Nursing is currently working with the Hamilton Health Department to create a list of nursing students and professors who could help with surge staffing.
“We have a good relationship with the local hospitals and want to help where we can,” School of Nursing Associate Professor Kerry Allen said.“There are many nursing alumni that work at the local hospitals in clinical roles, and we want to do what we can to help keep all healthcare providers safe and well.”
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