The Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) in Silay City, Negros Occidental has suspended some of its outpatient services and limited its admissions to emergency cases starting this week after some of its front-liners were either infected or quarantined due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Tuesday as of January 17, some 21 hospital staff have been affected.
Of the 21, there were seven who tested positive, eight close contacts, and six under observation and isolation.
“That’s why we issued an advisory to the public that we will limit our services to emergency cases only until further notice,” Diaz told reporters.
Suspended are obstetrics and gynecology outpatient services, where most of the infected personnel are assigned.
In its advisory, the TLJPH management said its front-liners either tested positive or placed under quarantine for high-risk exposure as a result of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases among its patients and watchers.
“We enjoin the public to please refrain from unnecessary exposure by staying home and observing at least the minimum precaution as cases are beginning to rise in our locality,” it added.
Vaccination against Covid-19 continues at the hospital, but only those with a schedule will be accepted while walk-in clients will be refused.
Meanwhile, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here announced on Tuesday it is also limiting services indefinitely to extreme emergency cases in three departments due to limited manpower.
These include the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and of Pediatrics.
According to the hospital management, dedicated beds for pregnant Covid-19 patients are now fully occupied.
Consultations at the outpatient orthopedics clinic have also been canceled from Tuesday to Friday this week.
“All local government units and referring hospitals are expected to observe the coordinated patient transfer protocol to ensure efficiency and availability of hospital beds,” it added.
Source: Philippines News Agency