Some in Saskatchewan have been putting together their own do-it-yourself (DIY) medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic for those on the frontlines, but the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) can’t accept them.
Other health authorities in Canada have asked for items such as homemade, sewn nurse scrub caps, but the SHA put a limit as to what it can accept from the public.
On its website, the SHA does outline what it can accept, and how to donate. Masks, non-latex gloves and gowns are being accepted, but they can’t be made at home, or a DIY project.
“To assure the integrity of the supplies, donations must be appropriately packaged in sealed, unopened boxes,” an SHA Public Service Announcement reads.
“Although we appreciate the gracious offers from our community, we will NOT be accepting sewn masks or gowns at this time.”
The SHA says it isn’t against innovation, however. In an email sent to 650 CKOM, the authority outlined where ideas can be sent.
“Any Saskatchewan business, innovator, or supplier who thinks they may have a solution that can help us fight COVID-19 should direct their submission to procurement@gov.sk.ca.”