Gemcore, CHF Solutions Innovations Aid Caregivers and Patients
Overwhelming hospital needs in response to COVID-19 have resulted in unprecedented unity among the health care industry and corporations around the world. Companies are quickly adapting their products to meet the growing demands of the pandemic, including GEMCORE and CHF Solutions, whose strategic innovations are already benefiting University Hospitals.
Safeguarding the well-being of caregivers is paramount at UH, but as the fight against COVID-19 continues, many are experiencing skin and facial injuries from the goggles and face masks designed to protect them. Wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time can cause bruising and skin reactions, injuries that may serve as an entry point for coronavirus or other bacterial, viral or fungal infections acquired in hospitals.
GEMCORE, a family of privately held companies headquartered in Hudson, is an industry leader in diabetes management solutions. Its wholesale division, GEMCO Medical, donated 4,000 pieces of GEMCORE360º Silicone Lite Wound Dressing to UH. Traditionally utilized to help heal stubborn wounds, the adaption guide shows frontline workers how to cut the soft silicone foam dressing and apply it to the face as a way to cushion and prevent bruising caused by PPE.
“In our conversations with UH they voiced the need for this type of interface,” said Paul Tracy, President of GEMCORE. “We are incredibly grateful to all the health care workers under these extraordinary circumstances, and as an essential business, we will continue to explore ways we can help during this pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota-based CHF Solutions makes medical devices to improve the lives of patients suffering from fluid overload, a condition in which excess fluid (primarily salt and water) build up in the body. When the World Health Organization released a protocol for treating critically ill COVID-19 patients, they stressed the need for effective fluid management treatment strategies due to the high risk of complications such as fluid overload, respiratory distress and progressive congestions. Worldwide, hospitals began searching for additional equipment, prompting CHF Solutions to increase production of its Aquadex SmartFlow System, a simple, safe and efficient way of removing excess fluid from the body.
“In this time of crisis, our Aquadex SmartFlow System can make a significant impact and we want to help as many patients as possible,” said John Erb, Chairman and CEO, CHF Solutions, Inc. “We're proud to donate two additional systems to UH Cleveland Medical Center and help give physicians, nurses and clinical staff the solutions they need to treat patients impacted with COVID-19.”
University Hospitals is grateful to all individuals and organizations willing to help our caregivers, patients and community during the COVID-19 crisis. Community response and caregiver support funds have been established to support the extensive patient care, medical supplies, research and education needs.