A nurse at Cape Cod Hospital says staff have enough supplies to care for COVID-19 patients, but they’re anxious about running out, and about bringing the virus home to their families.
Shannon Sherman, co-chair of the union that represents registered nurses, said the union has asked repeatedly for management to provide lodging for front-line staff who are afraid to go home because they live with a person who has compromised immunity.
"We are all very anxious and nervous, but we are doing our best to stay positive and focused on the task at hand," she said. "And that is giving the best care to patients that come in."
The union has not been told whether any lodging is in the works, she said. Nurses and others are doing the best they can make sure their techniques for donning and doffing equipment and washing their hands minimize risk as much as possible.
Sherman said the hospital administration plans to begin sterilizing masks on site this week.
WCAI contacted Cape Cod Healthcare in an effort to confirm that information, but has not heard back.
Sherman said lines of communication with the hospital remain open, and the staff is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
