St. Catharines, ON – Alectra Inc. has answered the call from Niagara Health Foundation to support Niagara Health’s front-line workers in their battle with COVID-19 and their ability to stay properly protected while they support patients.
Alectra is donating a unique, made-in-Ontario N95 mask cleaner to Niagara Health. This donation aligns with provincial guidance that indicates using validated sterilization and disinfection methods to decontaminate personal protective equipment (PPE) for future use should be considered in settings where it can be safely done.
The availability of N95 particulate respirator masks for front-line health care professionals is posing an ongoing challenge in the COVID-19 pandemic. As supplies of PPE are strained during these times, Niagara Health is doing all it can to ensure access to appropriate protective equipment for staff.
The “Clean Works Healthcare Mini” is a machine that sanitizes N95 masks for re-use. It destroys up to 99.9 per cent of pathogens and viruses found on used masks and can cleanse a large amount of masks for reuse at one-time. A single mask can be processed approximately 5-10 times.
“The N95 mask cleaning machine that Clean Works created is an innovative, sustainable solution that will help to ensure that this critical PPE is available to the Niagara Health System’s healthcare workers,” said Brian Bentz, President and CEO, Alectra Inc. “The purchase of this machine enables Alectra to support the hospitals in a meaningful way using innovative, homegrown technology.”
The machine is located at Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, and it will be used to reprocess masks for future use in keeping with provincial guidance, expert opinion and best published evidence for reprocessing.
“Personal protective equipment is an important aspect of keeping healthcare workers safe while providing care to patients. Thank you to Alectra for their support of Niagara Health and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been inspiring to witness the thoughtfulness, generosity and innovative spirit of our community during this challenging time,” says Derek McNally, Niagara Health Executive Vice-President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive.
Alectra Inc. has been a strong community supporter of Health Care in Niagara through their support of past equipment campaigns and partnerships with Niagara Health Foundations events. “It’s great news that we’re able to get these N95 mask sanitizer machines from a Niagara company and that we’ve got community partners like Alectra to purchase them for Niagara Health. Thank you!” Said Jim Diodati, Mayor, Niagara Falls.
“This donation from Alectra to the Niagara Health Foundation exemplifies the value of community partnerships. I am grateful for their generosity and dedication to supporting the fight against COVID-19,” said Walter Sendzik, Mayor, St. Catharines.
“Alectra’s donation gives Niagara Health a critical tool in the battle to limit the damage done by COVID-19 in Niagara. The ability to sanitize and re-use masks is a local and sustainable solution that protects our front-line healthcare workers,” said Jim Bradley, Chair, Niagara Region.
This machine was developed by Clean Works Holding Inc., which is in Beamsville, Ontario. For more information on Alectra’s commitment to its communities visit alectrautilities.com.
About Alectra’s Family of Companies
Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.
About Niagara Health Foundation
Niagara Health Foundation raises funds to support of Niagara Health for the advancement of health care in Niagara. Supporting Niagara Health in its mission, Niagara Health Foundation raises funds for priority equipment needs, redevelopment projects and patient programs at Niagara Health’s five sites, located in Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie. For more information, or to support Niagara Health Foundation during the COVID-19 visit www.SupportNHF.com or www.niagarahealthfoundation.com.
Media Contact: John Friesen, Manager, Communications and Brand
media@alectra.com | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIALN
Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation