Trent University Delivers Large Donation of Personal Protective Equipment to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
University joins community in support of frontline healthcare workers tackling local impacts of global pandemic
Trent is answering the call to combat the spread of COVID-19 and provide support where it is most urgently needed, as departments from across the University came together to deliver a large donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing for frontline healthcare workers at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
Trent’s donation of PPE included several thousand pairs of gloves, coveralls, boot covers, surgical and N-95 masks, and hospital gowns, as well as cases of soap, sanitizer and disinfectant cleaners. With Trent operating with a reduced campus presence, and employees now working remotely, this stock was made available through the collaborative efforts of several departments, including Nursing, Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, the School of the Environment, and Facilities Management.
“This was an impressive showcase of collaboration at its best – a coordinated effort across multiple departments, all in the interest of protecting public health in our community,” explains Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “It is important for Trent to support where we can as our community navigates uncharted terrain in flattening the curve with this virus.”
“Many Trent students from our diverse science programs, find mentors and career connections within the local healthcare sector,” adds Dr. Holger Hintelmann, dean of Science at Trent. “At times like this we must band together as a scientific community and support each other.”
In addition to the recent donation to PRHC, Trent Health Services also made a donation of testing kits to Peterborough Public Health, all part of the effort to control COVID’s spread in the local community.
Over the past week, as the community and country respond to COVID-19, there have also been encouraging moments for faculty, particularly in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, who are seeing students put their learning about approaches to healthcare that embrace social responsibility to work.
“We are preparing the next generation of nurses, talented healthcare professionals who will work in our local community here in Peterborough and beyond,” states Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of Nursing. “It is encouraging that students are reaching out to see how they can help in their community. We’ve had numerous students connect about how we can work together to donate PPE for those working in healthcare’s frontline right now.”
Trent’s donation was gathered from across departments on Monday and delivered to Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Tuesday. The University also continues to explore other ways that it can best contribute to the community response to COVID-19.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Cara Walsh, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca
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