Coronavirus: Easton VA Staffer Helps Protect Hospital Coworkers

EASTON, MA — Tina Blood drives from South Easton to West Roxbury each workday to help take care of veterans from all over the region through cleaning and sterilizing beds for new patients. In recent weeks, she has become part of a key cog in making sure the health care workers that take care of those who served their country are protected as well.

Blood's job at the VA Medical Center has shifted during the new coronavirus health emergency from sterilizing patient beds to also collecting and safely packaging N-95 respirator masks for shipment, sterilization through the Battelle system, and then returned to hospital workers on the front line of the COVID-19 battle.

"During this crisis, we have accomplished so much together that I am thankful for my friends and family for their ongoing support," Blood said. "I enjoy going to work as I know I am giving back to the veterans that have sacrificed so much for us."

Blood said that while working at a VA during a health crisis, where older and amino-compromised citizens are the most vulnerable to critical symptoms, is filled with pressure, helping the residents of the VA during the crisis is worth the personal challenges.

"Although it can be very stressful on the personnel in each department or ward," Blood said, "we all work together to get the job done for the veteran. Working here at the West Roxbury VA is a great and rewarding place to work, as well as (a place to meet) so many dedicated professionals that I am glad to call my friends."

Blood and her team collect the masks, which get wrapped and sealed in a bag, and placed in another bag that is wiped down with disinfectant, before shipment to Somerville. Battelle takes the shipment and loads it into containers where it is decontaminated using a concentrated hydrogen peroxide vapor to kill off biological contaminants, such as the coronavirus.

Battelle said masks are placed under pressure for a couple of hours, then cool for five or six hours, before being available for return to the hospital. A single mask, according to Battelle, can then be used up to 20 times.

"VA Boston is vigilant when it comes to the safety of veterans and staff," said Pallas Wahl, Public Affairs Officer, VA Boston Healthcare System. "Our staff are so veteran-centric, they'd run head-first into a COVID positive unit to deliver care. VA Boston ensures that each and every staff member has the personal protective gear needed to successfully perform their job."

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