PGH faces shortage of beds for COVID-19 patients, spokesman says

Published Jul 11, 2020 1:39:52 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 11) — There are currently not enough beds for COVID-19 patients at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, an official said Saturday.

Dr. Jonas del Rosario, PGH spokesman, told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom that this situation resulted from the “steady increase” in patient admission for the past seven to 10 days due to more tests and community transmission brought about by increased contact among the population as movement restrictions are eased.

A total 176 patients are admitted in PGH, 148 of whom are confirmed cases while the rest are suspected to have the viral infection.

Del Rosario noted it takes time for them to clear patients to go home, citing the slow discharge process at the PGH.

Del Rosario said that they were at nearly full capacity a few days ago, with all of their beds at the intensive care unit occupied.“Medyo fluid po ang aming sitwasyon sa beds. So dahil napuno na nga po ang ICU, at halos puno na ‘yung aming COVID-19 wards,” the spokesman pointed out.

[Translation: In terms of beds, our situation is fluid. This is because our ICUs are all occupied, while our COVID-19 wards are almost full.]

To decongest PGH, and admit patients in the waitlist, they refer the individuals in temporary treatment and isolation facilities, he said.

The healthcare provider also rarely accepts walk-in patients, he added.

SOURCE: https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/7/11/PGH-bed-shortage-COVID-19-patients.html