The association that represents nursing homes in West Virginia is expressing concerns about the supply of personal protective equipment now available for staff.
Early on, as nursing homes sought to protect patients and staff from the spread of coronavirus, industry leaders expected to have enough supplies on hand to get to Easter.
“We’ve hit that six-week mark, and sadly supplies are drying up,” Marty Wright, director of the West Virginia Health Care Association, said today on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
That means equipment like masks, gloves, gowns and face shields.
Marty Wright, chief executive of the West Virginia Health Care Association, talks with @HoppyKercheval about personal protective equipment in nursing homes. WATCH: https://t.co/jmMe7c6zPH pic.twitter.com/Eddxlvnjtk
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) April 10, 2020
Nursing homes, with their aging populations, are considered among the most vulnerable to the spread of virus.
A month ago, the state’s nursing homes put heightened visitation restrictions in place.
But, the Health Care Association warned this morning:
“The State of West Virginia’s early, aggressive protections of the elderly and vulnerable residents against COVID-19 in long-term care facilities are at risk of being nullified if the supplies of personal protective equipment, or PPE, continue to dry up.”
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The association noted that 20,000 health care workers care for nearly 12,000 residents in long-term care in West Virginia.
The coronavirus has struck residents and staff at several West Virginia facilities such as Sundale Nursing Home in Morgantown, Charleston Gardens in Kanawha County, Eastbrook Center in Charleston and now Wayne Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Two residents of Sundale have been among West Virginia’s five coronavirus-related deaths.
The West Virginia Health Care Association put out a news release today, expressing concern about the level of personal protective equipment available for staff at facilities.
“Many facilities have been trying for weeks to find alternative sources, even paying outrageous prices, only to see orders go unfulfilled or indefinitely delayed,” Wright stated in the release.
He said some members of the community have reached out to try to help, and the National Guard has also tried to assist.
“Where we are right now is, we’re managing, we’re very close to hitting that mark where we need more very quickly,” Wright said on “Talkline.” “It’s not for lack of trying.”
He said the press release and statewide radio appearance are meant to encourage supply chains to open up.
“We’re putting the ask out,” Wright said. “Any more assistance we can get would be greatly appreciated.”