COVID -19 Chronicle - Update December 2020

A Bell Weather Turned Guiding Star

Supply chain sounded the alarm early on regarding COVID-19 and our ability to source and supply personal protective equipment (PPE), along with usage rates, continue to be an indicator of how the pandemic is progressing. Our team continues to hold steady, sourcing supplies and PPE, but remains vigilant due to surges in positive patients and continued allocation (rationing) by suppliers. The biggest lesson we have learned over the past several months is that just because there is a confirmed delivery date, it doesn’t mean an item will arrive on that day. Similarly, a specific product description does not guarantee that’s the product you will receive. Until a product arrives we can’t be sure that we will receive it or, that when we do receive it, it will meet our standards of quality. Advance orders are important to stay ahead of back orders, and alternative products may look different but have been thoroughly vetted for quality control. We are now focused on transitioning to reusable personal protective equipment, like half mask respirators, and ensuring that we’re following all safety guidelines, such as physical distancing, to ensure that we’re meeting safety goals on all fronts. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Northern Light Health’s supply chain team remains dedicated to ensuring staff and patients have the supplies they need for safe care. Implementing daily status updates and weekly logistics calls keep this systemwide team in the know – sharing knowledge, making sure products are where they are needed, and supporting one another.

Example of a half mask respirator used by Northern Light Health

H

Example of a powered air-purifying

respirator (PAPR) used at Northern Light Health

F

Example of an N-95 mask used

by Northern Light Health

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