The Ministry of Public Health has assured the public of the standard of care at the newly opened Bussarakham field hospital, intended to operate for two months until patient numbers descend.
The Bussarakham field hospital, is a newly opened large-scale field hospital accommodating COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms.
The Ministry of Public Health’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Thongchai Keratihuttayakorn said the level of patient care at this hospital is on par with general hospitals, with an oxygen supply system installed and negative pressure units available for severe cases, as well as royally bestowed mobile x-ray units.
Converted from an exhibition hall at a cost of 13 million baht, the field hospital located at IMPACT exhibition center in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok currently has 1,092 beds. The hospital’s capacity can however be expanded to 5,000 beds should it need to accommodate more patients.
Medical professionals from 14 provinces have been deployed to this field hospital, including some from medical schools on a voluntary basis. Strict operational protocols are being implemented to prevent transmission at the site.
This field hospital is currently accepting COVID-19 patients in code yellow – those with mild to moderate symptoms. Patients whose condition worsens during their course of treatment here will be referred to a general hospital better equipped to treat critical patients.
Bussarakham hospital’s director, Dr Kittisak Agsornwong said today that precautionary measures have been applied here even before the opening, to ensure the safety of staff members on-site, as well as those in the surrounding communities. An air filtration system has been installed at the facility to prevent transmissions, while waste water and garbage from the facility will be handled as infectious waste.
There are 267 patients currently admitted at Bussarakham hospital, with 61 patients showing moderate symptoms. Some patients here require supplemental oxygen, while some others have been referred to another hospital due to their more severe symptoms. (NNT)
