Gov. Steve Sisolak is re-enforcing the need for Nevadans to use social distancing and for nonessential businesses to close. One of the main reasons for that is to keep the medical facilities from getting overwhelmed. He says the number of cases will rise in Nevada, and that could impact the number of supplies that doctors and medical staff need.
"Like so many other states, Nevada's health system will not be able to handle an excessive increase in patients all at once without rapidly straining resources," Sisolak said.
Those resources include ventilators, masks and gowns. Sisolak says there is a shortage, nationally, and it is important for people to do their part to make sure those supplies last in our state.
"We are facing a severe shortage," Sisolak said. "We cannot get appropriate supplies. We've been notified that they're all back-ordered and we're going to, as he said, the president said, get them on our own. So we are working tirelessly to get them on our own."
Private companies are stepping up to help build supplies. Triad Technologies in Reno says it is manufacturing ventilators to help supply hospitals with equipment.
Reno's hospitals are also evaluating their situations to see if they have adequate supplies moving forward. Northern Nevada Medical Center released this statement:
"Northern Nevada Medical Center is working closely with our vendors to manage essential supplies for our operations. We are navigating national shortages and doing our best to have the proper resources for our patients. At our hospital the supplies we currently need include masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer and protective eyewear. We appreciate any donations from the community. If your company would like make a donation please complete the Contact Us form at NNMC.com."
Saint Mary's sent us this statement:
“Saint Mary’s PPE supplies are sufficient and meeting the recommendations provided by the CDC. Community members and companies have been offering to donate PPE such as N95 and surgical masks, and those are always welcome. Everyone at the hospital and urgent care locations are so appreciative and humbled by everything the community and companies have and continues to do during this time.”
Renown Health sent us this statement:
“Hamilton Ventilation has been an outstanding partner of Renown Health for more than a decade. As Hamilton’s hometown hospital, Renown has collaborated with Hamilton in preparation to deliver high quality care during the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases. We have been able to obtain an additional 13 Hamilton ventilators to date and have 60 more on their way to assist our community through this challenging time. Hamilton’s partnership with our organization has been remarkable and we greatly appreciate their continued commitment to our community.” -Jason Farnsworth, Director of Respiratory Care Services, Renown Health
