Cottage Hospital preparing for potential supply shortages across the US

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - We've reached out to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after hearing concerns about a potential shortage in Chinese-made medical supplies and devices because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Cottage released the following statement: 

"Currently we have supplies needed for typical usage patterns as well as disaster supply stocks, but we are looking ahead to prepare for new supply orders and the potential for shortages across the US. Surgical procedures continue at our locations; they are not being impacted by supply shortages at this time.  We are closely monitoring developments and continuing to plan for potential changes in supply availability as we provide ongoing care to the community." 

The statement also included information about protective masks:

"The CDC does not recommend N95 masks for use by the general public. It is important that supplies remain available to hospitals and other healthcare settings. Keeping healthcare workers healthy and able to provide care for patients is essential to protecting the community."

On Tuesday, Federal Drug Adminstration (FDA) Commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn, confirmed that the coronavirus outbreak will likely affect the medical product supply chain and shortages of critical medical products in the US. He also said that America relies heavily on Chinese-made medical devices, common drug ingredients and drugs for both humans and animals. 

In 2018, China ranked second among countries that exported drugs to the US and first for medical devices, according to the FDA.