London-based defence giant General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS) is turning over its supply of life-saving medical equipment to the London Health Sciences Centre as the battle against COVID-19 wears on.
Fourteen ventilators and 860 N95 respirator masks from the company's east-end facility have been donated to the hospital network. The vital medical supplies were to be used in General Dynamics Armoured Vehicle (LAV) ambulances.
Doug Wilson-Hodge, manager of communications, community, and government relations for GDLS, said the company's employees were keen to find a way to help frontline health-care workers.
"Our focus is on protecting soldiers by manufacturing the equipment that protects them on the front lines,” said Wilson-Hodge. "So, as you translate that into this particular fight against COVID-19, it’s a logical extension for our employees to say ‘Okay, how can we help these frontline workers and make this connection with this industry?’"
The local donation of ventilators and masks is part of a broader effort by General Dynamics worldwide to help fight the coronavirus, added Wilson-Hodge
"We’re focusing on bringing our resources to fight the problem, and giving back to our communities," he said.
Acquiring additional ventilators is crucial as the hospital prepares for a possible surge of COVID-19 patients. The virus is known to cause moderate to severe breathing difficulties and the machines are used to pump air into the lungs of the critically ill.
"We’re so grateful to be able to facilitate this vital donation from General Dynamics Land Systems,” said John MacFarlane, president and CEO of the London Health Sciences Foundation. “Donations like this one, paired with the outpouring of support from our community, really bring to light how we can rally behind our frontline health-care heroes during this time of crisis."
The foundation has been working to raise money to purchase critical equipment for health-care staff since the outbreak began. Last month, it launched the COVID-19 Response Fund, which has brought in just under $500,000 to-date.