CHOMP says supplies are well-stocked as they adjust to nationwide mask scramble
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)
As Monterey County health officials say they are looking at additional sites for medical care if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases, The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula tells KION they are staying above water at this point.
CHOMP's website shows they have tested 140 people for COVID-19 and eight tests have come back positive. While they won't say how many of these individuals are still at the hospital, they say that there is enough space.
As for PPE, personal protective equipment, Daniel McKernan, CHOMP's safety officer and incident commander, says their supply is fine. However, with the shortage of crucial N95 masks, CHOMP is having its health care workers follow guidelines for what's called "extended use," meaning that the same respirator mask is used for multiple patients without being taken off.
McKernan says this allows them to use the N95 masks without fear of the masks running out. "Staff understood and supported this program that we put in place. People understand the importance of it," he tells KION.
For a back up plan, McKernan says the hospital is also training employees on how to use the Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). PAPRs can be used in addition to N95 masks when treating patients with COVID-19. These devices can be properly cleaned/disinfected and used again.
"We go through cleaning procedures on how to use the mask, and donning and doffing produces - so putting on and taking off (the mask) and making sure the staff use them correctly.... if we ever have to use them."
McKernan says that anyone who wishes to enter CHOMP has to go through some sort of triage/processing check. People with COVID-19 symptoms have to go to the respiratory triage tent to be checked by medical personnel, who CHOMP says have the proper protective equipment.
Right now, KION is told CHOMP is not bed stressed. And while Governor Newsom called Monday for additional medical professional assistance around the state, McKernan says the hospital is adequately staffed.
