Local hospital fully prepared for coronavirus containment
Local hospitals have set up strict procedures to identify, contain and treat patients infected with a new strain of coronavirus.
So far, Shanghai has reported 20 coronavirus cases, including two patients in critical condition. Another 34 patients suspected of infection are undergoing testing, according to Shanghai Health Commission on Friday.
Zhongshan Hospital said it has provided training to all staff on disease prevention and control. Doctors and nurses serving at the fever clinic have also received special training to ensure safety of both medical staff and patients, and to prevent in-hospital infection.
The hospital has set up two special rooms to isolate patients suspected of infection by the new coronavirus, including those who have recently traveled to Wuhan, the epicenter of the current outbreak.
“Patients who are suspected of being infected will be quarantined in special rooms, where they will await expert consultation and sample collection by district- and city-level disease control centers," said Sun Zhan, a Zhongshan Hospital official. “Such patients’ samples will be sent to the CDC for coronavirus check. Only those who test negative twice will be released from the isolation room. Patients who are confirmed with infection will be transferred to Shanghai Public Clinical Center, the designated hospital, for treatment and quarantine.”
Sun said that Zhongshan’s fever clinic currently receives some 140 patients per day, a little more than usual for this time of year. Every patient has their symptoms assessed and is asked about possible links with Wuhan.
“Two separation rooms are not enough. Another three separation rooms will be put into use tonight,” he said.
Dr Hu Bijie, director of Zhongshan’s infectious disease department, said that people recently traveling in Wuhan should closely monitor their health, and those without symptoms needn't go to the hospital.
“The primary symptoms are fever and coughing. Those with temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius with connection to Wuhan within 14 days should visit the hospital,” he said.
Doctors and nurses in local hospitals are on standby to offer high-quality health services to patients in the city. Many local medical staff have volunteered to participate in teams supporting Wuhan, the Shanghai Health Commission said.