The supply chain shortage has been felt by many throughout the United States. Now it seems to be impacting hospitals. Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth is the most recent hospital to have this problem.
A hospital spokesperson stated that the facility is down about two months’ worth of aluminum crutches. Before it becomes even more of a problem, hospital staff are asking for donations from the community.
We’re trying to get ahead of the curve because this could get worse if we don’t do our due diligence,” said Brady Gendke, the medical center’s vice president of operations.
Trends are showing that there could be a significant disruption to the supply chain for crutches. The problems are nationwide, and hospitals across the U.S. are in need of similar donations.
If Cook Children’s Hospital can’t collect enough crutches through donations, the hospital officials will consider suspending elective surgeries that could leave patients needing assistance with mobility.
The hospital’s transportation partners have told them that they might have trouble getting orders out on time due to staffing shortages. The hospital is considering whether school athletics programs may be able to donate supplies.
“In a pinch, some patients might be able to use walkers, wheelchairs, or canes instead of crutches,” said Gendke. “We are being notified of the backorders that are coming and so we want to get ahead of the curve sooner than later and make sure we are prepared for an event that could get worse if we are not doing all the due diligence that we need to.”
The crutches donated to the hospital will be inspected for safety and sanitized the same as any other hospital equipment. The hospital is accepting donations at 801 7th Avenue, Fort Worth, 76104, weekdays from November 8-19, between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
