The Queens Health Systems this afternoon put out a request for donations of personal protective equipment for its medical personnel during this pandemic, should needs increase. That includes North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea, which is part of the Queen’s Health System.

Items requested include medical-grade goggles, face shields, surgical/N95 masks, and gowns/disposable protective suits. All items must be new and in original packaging.

In addition, interested community members with sewing skills are asked to sew face masks. Supplies of facemasks at the hospital are adequate; these hand sewn masks would only be used if supplies became completely depleted and this is not anticipated.

Two types of hand sewn masks are requested with video links for size/style/pattern specifications and instructions:

 4-pleat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL9D6ZFtZHM
 Cone style to cover N95 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdVO9emZhyQ

If sewing masks, two different fabrics are requested so staff can quickly tell the outside from the inside of the mask.

People can drop off items at the hospital’s front entrance Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm. Donation receipts are available.

For questions, please call Julia Ramos, Fund Development & Volunteer Program Manager, 881-4420 or JRamos2@queens.org.