A 30-bed, dedicated, state-of-the-art unit for patients with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases is being created at Greenwich Hospital, courtesy of an anonymous donation. The new unit will isolate 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 change into and out of personal protective equipment (PPE), including isolation gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, face shields, and/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.
Construction of the unit is anticipated to begin after the state”™s moratorium on construction is lifted.
“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,” remarked the hospital”™s president and CEO Norman Roth. “The resources provided by this gift will assure continued safety, comfort and protection.”
