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Cape Hospitals Could Start Running Out of Protective Gear in 8 Days

L. Lerner

Cape Cod Healthcare says it could run out of at least one type of personal protective equipment in as little as eight days if no replenishment arrives.

President and CEO Mike Lauf wouldn’t say which item is in the lowest supply, but the health system has made a public appeal for donations, with items in order of priority.

Isolation gowns are at the top of the list, followed by face shields and surgical masks.

“We search each and every minute, each and every day, for any supply that we can get our hands on,” he said.

The health system also wants to be a good neighbor and understands that other organizations, such as clinics and first responders, may also not have enough supplies, he said.

Lauf would not disclose how many ventilators Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital have.

As of Wednesday, afternoon, Falmouth Hospital had three COVID-19 patients in intensive care. Cape Cod Hospital had one in intensive care and five others on other floors.

Dozens of other inpatients are awaiting test results.

Dr. Kevin Mulroy, chief quality officer at Cape Cod Healthcare, said they are following guidelines from the Department of Public Health about the criteria for testing due to limited testing supplies.

“So essentially all the patients that are coming through the testing centers are symptomatic in some way,” he said.

Jennette Barnes is a reporter and producer. Named a Master Reporter by the New England Society of News Editors, she brings more than 20 years of news experience to CAI.