by
John R. Fischer, Senior Reporter | March 04, 2020
“The FDA’s and CDC’s action to allow a wider range of respirators to be used in healthcare settings will help those on the front lines of this outbreak and their patients, which will keep all Americans safe,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar in a statement. “We will continue pursuing every possible avenue to secure the protective gear needed for responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Premier reports that healthcare facilities currently receive just 44 percent of their ordered N95s and 82 percent of ordered surgical masks. And while domestic and near-shore suppliers of PPE have increased production and are on track to produce an estimated 60 million masks this year, reaching that production level will take between 30 and 60 days.
To offset domestic back orders and reductions in imported goods, 36% of respondents said they are prepping for broad-scale PPE shortages, and 54% have initiated PPE conservation protocols to stretch supplies on hand. Premier’s direct sourcing subsidiary, S2S Global is also combating mask shortages by increasing inventory on hand for disposable protective apparel such as isolation gowns and gloves.
“In our conversations with C-suite leaders and supply chain partners, we are encouraging the judicious use of supplies,” said Saha. “The CDC is now saying it’s okay to use expired N95 masks during the shortage, and in addition, guidance last night from the FDA said that providers can also use industrial N95s in addition to those approved for healthcare. Both actions are freeing up additional sources of supply. We also recommend that health systems follow the CDC’s recommendations for conservation as well as extended use and limited reuse protocols.”
Premier’s survey was conducted from Feb. 18 to Feb. 26 among a representative portion of the Premier membership. Approximately 300 hospitals provided responses. Additional information on back orders and ordering patterns was derived from national medical-surgical distribution companies and Premier’s own purchasing data.
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