On April 13, the FDA published a recommendation for healthcare facilities to stop using O&M Halyard N95 respirators. Communication was sent for staff who use O&M Halyard N95s to change to PAPRs until they could be fit tested for a replacement N95, which affected 428 staff members.

As Supply Chain researched other N95s to replace the O&M Halyard mask, Kettering Health learned that PHG was changing their N95 fabric and that they are obtaining approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for their new mask. This affects about 6400 staff members.  

Supply Chain has since reviewed our entire N95 offering. Moving forward, KH is partnering with Medline, our contracted vendor, to secure and source 3M N95 Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Masks (the 1860 and 1860S). We will also use ACI Surgical N95 Respirators.

Because of these unexpected changes, throughout May, Employee Health (in conjunction with other KH departments) will fit test all employees who are required to be fit tested on the new respirators. We will have teams in higher risk units to test and will have sites where staff can be tested.

Please note that this round of fit testing is unexpected, but it is necessary as the new masks are introduced. 

Annual fit testing will still be conducted in October to maintain compliance with our Respiratory Protection Plan.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and compliance. Your safety is our priority as you improve the lives of those in the communities we serve.