Call For Windsor Essex To Make Masks Continues

With the current pandemic there is a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Erie Shores HealthCare has been fortunate enough to have support from people wanting to sew masks since March, however, now that parts of our community have reopened, donations are slowing down.

To keep our community healthy and safe, in light of asymptomatic transmission, Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) is issuing a call to all Essex County sewers to collectively make 1,000 masks a week for patients and the public coming to ESHC.

“Our community has been fabulous – and we cannot say how thankful we are for their support. But we need more help – we need these masks for our patients in our care, and people coming to ESHC.” – Arms Bumanlag, Director of Public Relations, ESHC

As of now, ESHC is asking people with their own personal masks already not to bring them into the hospital due to possible contamination “As per our infection control practioner, we want people to use our masks when they arrive, the donated masks will be fully sterilize and the patient gets to keep the mask.’

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MASKS
ESHC is promoting a simple 2-ply, pleated mask design. Along with standard sewing supplies (sewing machine, measuring tape, etc.), you will need:

• dark-coloured polyester fabric for the outside of the mask (this could be substituted with 100% cotton if polyester is not available)
• elastic
• Please use clean fabric to make your masks. We will also be sanitizing all donated masks at the hospital.
• Share your creations on social media! Tag us @ESHCare and tag your post with #TeamESHC

Who will be given these masks?

• Hospital healthcare providers will not use these masks. They have certified masks that they are required to wear.
• All patients/visitors who enter ESHC Hospital
• All of our discharged patients as they reintegrate into the community

Where and when can I drop off my completed masks?

• Please put your sewn masks in a plastic bag with your contact information (name, address, email address and phone number). Providing your contact information is optional and will be used by ESHC to thank you for participating!
• The masks can be dropped off at the Staff Entrance of the Hospital off of Fader Street between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days a week. Erie Shores HealthCare is located at 194 Talbot Street West, Leamington Ontario
• Social/Physical Distancing best practices will be adhered to during drop off.

ESHC currently is home to 58 inpatient beds and a range of patient programs and services inclusive of a 24/7 Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care, Outpatient Diagnostic and Therapeutic services, Laboratory Services, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Family and Hospitalist Medicine, Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Cardiopulmonary Services, Pharmacy, and Rehabilitation Services. In 2016, ESHC was accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest possible designation from Accreditation Canada.

ESHC thanks you for doing your part to keep everyone safe in our community!