IOWA CITY, Iowa - University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics has issued an urgent request for Iowa businesses and residents to donate new or used protective face shields to the hospital.
The hospital system says the shields are used by staff to keep employees safe and help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19.
“These protective shields are extremely effective—especially for our staff who cannot always maintain a six-foot social distance when interacting with patients, visitors, and colleagues,” said UI Hospitals & Clinics CEO Suresh Gunasekaran. “There is a national shortage, and we need to secure an adequate supply for our needs now and in the future.”
UI Hospitals & Clinics says it currently has a supply of face shields for staff who provide patient care or do screenings at hospital entrances. It's asking for additional face shields so that all employees who interact with patients, visitors, and coworkers can wear one.
The hospital system the protective face shields should be lightweight and adjustable to fit securely to the user’s head, with a shield area that extends below the chin. It's accepting previously used face shields are acceptable, saying they can be cleaned and disinfected.
Donations of protective face shields or other personal protective equipment, also known as PPE are being accepted here.