‘BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY’: 17 hospitals in WV ready for surge in n-CoV patients – DOH 6

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

A total of 17 hospitals identified by local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6) are ready for a surge in novel coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) cases in the region.

Sofia Pulmones, chief of DOH-CHD 6 Local Health Support Division said LGUs in the region have identified hospitals that can cater to persons under investigation (PUIs) in their respective localities.

“They have identified 14 hospitals – five in Negros Occidental, three in Aklan and Capiz, and one in Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo province,” Pulmones said in an interview on Monday.

Pulmones said the 14 hospitals have designated isolation rooms, health staff, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workers.

“May gina-implement man sila na infection and prevention control,” she added.

In Iloilo province, the Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao town will cater to PUIs. It has six isolation rooms and is ready for more if there is a surge in cases.

Aside from the 14 hospitals, Pulmones said the health department also identified three hospitals which will cater to patients with severe cases of 2019 n-CoV acute respiratory disease (ARD).

These are the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City, West Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara, and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

“We have identified the three hospitals nga mag-cater sang severe cases of n-CoV nga gakinahanglan sang tertiary care,” Pulmones said.

The health department is also conducting re-orientation on infection and prevention control protocols to health workers in the region.

“Ongoing ang preparedness and response activities. Not only DOH but ang aton major partners are the LGUs and iban nga national government agencies.

“Subong ongoing aton preparedness and response activities because we want to ensure nga in case may surge of cases ready kita mag-accommodate sa ila,” Pulmones said.

As of February 10, DOH-CHD 6 said that PUIs in the region remained at 23 with eight admitted in hospitals and 15 who were already discharged.

Dr. Jane Juanico, head of the Infectious Disease Division of DOH-CHD-6, said the eight admitted PUIs did not exhibit symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

“All eight only showed mild cases. Wala sila naka-experience difficulty of breathing and usually mild fever lang, occasional cough or gagmay na colds. Wala sila nag-exhibit infection,” she said.

Juanico said the eight PUIs are mostly foreign and Filipino travelers who had a history of travel from countries with confirmed n-CoV cases.