Lung Center expands ER from one to three rooms as COVID-19 cases rise

The Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) has expanded its emergency room to three rooms as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the hospital's spokesperson said on Sunday.

"Itong capacity ng emergency room, talagang lumaki na nang lumaki. In fact, nag-expand na kami ng emergency room. Tatlo na ang emergency room ngayon. We maintain one for the clean cases, 'yung mga non-COVID," LCP spokesperson Dr. Norberto Francisco said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

(The capacity of the emergency room became bigger. In fact, we expanded it. We have three emergency rooms now. We maintain one for the clean cases, the non-COVID.)

Dr. Francisco: 3 na ang emergency room ng Lung Center of the Philippines at isa rito ang inilaan para sa non-COVID cases. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 3, 2021

"Kahapon napilitan kaming maglabas ng public advisory na 200% of capacity na 'yung aming emergency room. Hindi lang puno. Punong puno! And that is because 'yung loob ng ospital ay puno na rin. In fact, 'yung ospital, puno na kami for the past two weeks at least," LCP spokesperson Dr. Norberto Francisco said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

(Yesterday we were forced to issue a public advisory that our emergency room has reached 200% capacity. It's not just full. It's overflowing! And that is because inside the hospital it is also full. In fact, the hospital has been full for the past two weeks at least.)

"Ginagawan lang namin ng paraan 'yung nasa emergency room. Nagdadagdag kami ng mga kama, ng mga stretchers, mga reclining chairs. Siyempre, kasama mga oxygen supply, IV lines, mga infusion pumps kapag kailangan kasi may mga dumadating na severe, critical," he said.

(We just do what we can in the emergency room. We add beds, stretchers, reclining chairs. Of course we add oxygen supply, IV lines, and infusion pumps when needed because some severe, critical patients [with COVID-19] arrive.)

Francisco said the hospital has put on hold consultations since they need personnel to attend to those needing immediate treatment.

However, telemedicine is encouraged.

Francisco said LCP is also developing a home care program for those with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

"Para ito sa mga may sariling banyo, walang kasamang high risk sa bahay, mga mild to moderate, mga wala ring mapuntahang ospital," he said.

(This is for those who have their own restroom at home, do not live with anyone with high risk, have mild to moderate case, and have no hospital to go to.)

Francisco advised the public to inform their local government and barangay officials as soon as they have COVID-19 symptoms.

"Ang suggestion po namin, early on, ang sina-suggest namin sa public is to inform ang local government units, mga barangay, right away... Kung kaya sa bahay, may mga provisions, doon na lang sa bahay. Kung wala, dadalhin sa temporary facilities. Kung sumugod sila sa Lung Center at mild (case pala), talagang ibabalik sila sa local government," he said.

(We have suggested early on for the public to inform their local government units and barangays right away [if they have COVID-19 symptoms]. Those that can be treated at home and have provisions should stay at home. If none, then they will be brought to temporary facilities. If they go straight to Lung Center and they are found to have mild case [of COVID-19], they will be referred back to the local government.)

Francisco said most of the cases at LCP are referrals from other hospitals.

Those arriving in ambulances are assessed and given first aid right inside the vehicles, but they are limited to what equipment the ambulance has, he said.

"Minsan hindi namin malagyan ng suwero," Francisco said.

(Sometimes we could not put an IV line [on the patient in the ambulance].)

Francisco said they have put a halt to operations so the nurses assigned to the operating room can help in attending to COVID-19 patients.

"But if it is a matter of life and death, bubuksan 'yung OR," he said.

(But if it is a matter of life and death, the operating room will be opened.)

Meanwhile, vaccination at LCP against COVID-19 is ongoing, but it is no longer the nurses doing the inoculation but doctors, so nurses could attend to COVID-19 patients.

Francisco said as of Sunday, 23 LCP staff have active COVID-19 cases. 

In total, 198 LCP staff have recovered from COVID-19.

Francisco reminded the public to take extra care against the coronavirus.

"Pinakaimportante sa lahat ng tao talaga, mag-ingat. Hindi lang minimum health standards. I-maximize 'nyo na," he said.

(The most important thing is for all people to be careful. Observe not just the minimum health standards. Maximize the observance of health standards.)

The Philippines’ tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 784,043 on Saturday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 12,576 new infections.

According to the DOH, the new infections brought the number of active cases in the country to 165,715, the highest recorded this year.

Total recoveries numbered 604,905 while the death toll is at 13,423. —KG, GMA News