No more ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in two St. Luke’s hospitals, Makati Med

At least three private hospitals in the country — St. Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City, its branch in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City and Makati Medical Center (MMC) — have reached their full capacity of allocated intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID-19 patients, it was learned Monday.

“We wish to inform the· public that St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City (SLMC-QC) and Global City (SLMC-GC) have reached full capacity of allocated COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds as of today, July 13,” St. Luke's Medical Center said.

“In this regard, we request the public to consider bringing  critically ill COVID-19 suspects to alternative hospitals so they will receive immediate and utmost care,” it added.

The MMC, for its part, said that it has reached its full capacity in treating COVID-19 patients even if  the MMC augmented its physical and manpower resources by hiring new recruits and closing some areas to supplement workforce in other vital units to accommodate more patients.

“Our sincerest apologies. We regret to inform you that after a thorough review of our bed utilization, particularly the critical care units, and manpower, and in consultation with our COVID-19 medical teams, MMC has now reached full capacity in so far as our capability to handle patients suspected and confirmed to have COVID-19 is concerned,” the MMC said.

“The COVID-19 zones of MMC, both the regular wards and the Critical Care Units, and especially the Emergency Room, are now full. Much as we would want to extend the same degree of care and attention to any additional admission for COVID-19, MMC has reached its threshold,” the MMC added.

Assurances

The St. Luke’s management, however, assured the public that they will make the necessary announcement once they reopen admissions for COVID-19 patients needing ICU care.

Likewise, both hospitals remain open to accommodate admissions and treatment of non-COVID-19 cases, including outpatient procedures.

“We appeal to the public to avoid complacency and strictly adhere to health protocols and preventive measures against COVID-19,” the hospital added.

On the other hand, the MMC also said that it will assist the patients in finding another healthcare facility for treatment and assured its admitted non-COVID patients that their safety and well-being will remain a priority.

The Health Department already issued an order to hospitals to allocate 30% of its resources for COVID-19 patients, but it acknowledged that not all hospitals have been able to comply with this requirement given that hospitals have varying amounts of resources.

The Philippines has recorded 56,259 confirmed cases so far. Of this number, 1,534 died while 16,046 recoveries as of the morning of Monday, July 13.

The 56,000 tally included 2,000 new cases recorded on July 12, a report that was announced by the Health Department a day late that it attributed to data harmonization efforts. — RSJ, GMA News