Polish Post is ready to deliver pulse oximeters

Poczta Polska (Polish Post) has developed procedures with the Ministry of Health for delivering pulse oximeters to people with COVID-19. This initiative was announced several days ago by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Minister of Health Adam Niedzielski.  

The Ministry of Health has launched a pilot program for remote monitoring of parameters in COVID-19 patients from high-risk groups, identified by primary care physicians. One of the parameters monitored using pulse oximeters will be saturation levels, or the saturation of arterial blood with oxygen. The first devices will be delivered to the Małopolska region, and Poczta Polska will be responsible for their distribution.

"Poczta Polska, as the largest logistics and infrastructure company in the country, is taking on another task to support institutions fighting the epidemic. We have experience in efficiently performing even non-standard courier and logistics services. So far, we have handled the logistics of protective equipment needed by hospitals, pharmacies, and schools, and we are supporting the construction of temporary hospitals. Delivering pulse oximeters to patients is another logistical task we have undertaken in recent months. We are ready to participate in the pilot program, coordinated by the Ministry of Health, " says Andrzej Bodziony, Vice President of Poczta Polska.

After receiving information that a patient has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the primary care physician will determine eligibility for the telemonitoring program. The patient will then receive login information, and information about the individual's need for telemonitoring equipment will be automatically transferred from the Ministry of Health's system for processing by Poczta Polska.

Pulse oximeters will be delivered by courier or postal carrier using the D+1 standard, meaning the day after the patient's address is received from the Ministry of Health system. Those awaiting the pulse oximeter will receive text messages informing them that the package has been shipped and a PIN code. The device will be delivered to the recipient in accordance with current guidelines for safe delivery based on the PIN code provided. A return envelope will also be included. Patients who complete their treatment and are considered recovered will return the device via the Post Office after registering in the IT system. It will be collected in a special box, then disinfected and sent to the next person designated by the primary care physician.

"Preparing for this new assignment involved developing a process tailored to our client's needs while maintaining applicable safety standards. This is a tailor-made service combining traditional logistics, courier, and packaging services. Thanks to our experienced team of logisticians and process management experts, we developed detailed solutions in a very short time. We understand the significant responsibility placed on Post Office employees when delivering and collecting pulse oximeters," adds Andrzej Bodziony. 

Postmen and delivery workers are equipped with masks, disinfectants, and protective gloves. Pulse oximeters will be delivered in accordance with standards developed by Poczta Polska for delivering parcels to quarantined addresses.

Since the beginning of the epidemic in Poland, the Polish Post Office has been providing logistics services to institutions fighting the coronavirus, providing necessary protective equipment and equipment for hospitals and pharmacies.

In total, postal workers transported nearly 40,000 pallets of personal protective equipment and all types of medical equipment to the Material Reserves Agency and, later, from ARM depots to the warehouses of provincial governors, hospitals, and other medical institutions.

We also delivered equipment to a temporary hospital in Warsaw. We are currently delivering equipment to a temporary hospital in Katowice. Further deliveries to the remaining 16 temporary hospitals are in preparation.