Makati Medical Center, The Medical City and St. Luke's Medical Center announced its hospitals cannot accept COVID-19 patients for confinement anymore.
The three hospitals expressed regret to take such action but revealed they already exceeded their maximum capacity. And the situation was undermining their ability to deliver care. Two of the hospitals revealed many of their front-line health workers were in quarantine.
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In its statement released today, March 24, 2020, St. Luke's Medical Center said its hospitals in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City were handling 48 patients with COVID-19, 139 patients suspected to have COVID-19 (or persons under investigation), and 592 of its frontliners in quarantine.
St. Luke's, however, stated it will continue to administer COVID-19 testing "for patients who will qualify based on the stringent criteria set by the Department of Health." Its emergency care service will also be open to outpatients 24/7.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWIn its announcement released on Facebook last night, March 23, The Medical City (TMC) ended its statement by encouraging people to look for other hospitals. "We do not wish at all to turn you away, but the reality is that we can no longer provide your loved ones the care that they need."
One hundred thirty-seven of TMC's frontliners are in quarantine already. The hospital has 64 PUIs and 18 COVID-19 patients. As of the statement's writing, 11 patients in the ER are waiting for rooms for admission, six are on mechanical ventilators, and five are in critical condition.
"Unless we are able to move the new patients to other hospitals, our healthcare delivery system is going to break down."
TMC said it was in constant communication with other Pasig City hospitals, but their capacity was also full "based on their workforce and facilities' equipment"
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowOn Twitter, CNN shared Makati Medical Center's statement. "MMC has reached its threshold in its capability to respond to more COVID-19 cases." It added that while its ER will be open, it cannot guarantee a room will be available for admission.
How can we help our frontliners and stop the spread of COVID-19? Practice proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and social distancing at all times to help prevent the spread of infection. And when you can, please stay home.
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