Substantial Gift to create permanent COVID-19 Dedicated Unit at Greenwich Hospital
Greenwich, CT (June 15, 2020) – Greenwich Hospital announced today the receipt of an anonymous donation to establish up to a 30-bed, dedicated, state-of-the-art unit for patients with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. This new unit will geographically cohort 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 don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE). These safe locations enable staff to carefully put on and remove protective gear, including isolation gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, face shields or 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.
Recognizing the unprecedented challenges Greenwich Hospital frontline workers face during the COVID-19 pandemic, the anonymous donors looked to impactful, forward-thinking solutions. Commenting on their decision to support Greenwich Hospital these generous donors said, “The protection and wellness of the front-line staff and their families is key to successful patient care and to the safety of the broader population of patients and caregivers at Greenwich Hospital. We hope this gift helps our greater community for many years.”
The anonymous gift will be used for the construction of the specialized and isolated changing spaces for staff working in the COVID-19 dedicated unit as well as purchase of specialty PAPR suits and supplies. Construction of the new, dedicated unit is anticipated to begin after the current moratorium on construction is lifted by the State of Connecticut. This project will be among the top priorities for the hospital.
“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. The resources provided by this gift will assure continued safety, comfort and protection,” said Norman G. Roth, President & CEO.
Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since its founding in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence.
Greenwich Hospital Office of Development is committed to securing the funds needed for the hospital to fulfill its mission of extending the highest quality of safe and compassionate health care to everyone in our region, regardless of their ability to pay.
Contact:
Julie Lapin
Sr. Communications Officer
Greenwich Hospital Office of Development
203-863-3887 (o)
julie.lapin@greenwichhospital.org