NCR, Region 3, 4-A hospitals on code blue for ASEAN Summit

FILE: “It will be elevated to Code Blue starting Sunday (today) until November 15 in the NCR, Region 3, and Region 4-A,” DOH Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said. (Photo: DOH)

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday placed all hospitals in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon on blue alert in line with the country’s hosting of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

“It will be elevated to Code Blue starting Sunday (today) until November 15 in the NCR, Region 3, and Region 4-A,” DOH Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said.

Raising of code blue is usually done and necessary in the conduct of significant international events to ensure the readiness of the hospital to attend immediately and provide fast delivery of the health services needed.

“The possible need for emergency response (in events like this) is perceived as higher,” Valle said.

Under code blue alert, 50 percent of all hospital personnel shall report for duty in the facility to render medical and other services to possible casualties in an emergency situation.

DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau coordinators are required to be physically present at the hospitals placed under the said alert.

The required health personnel must consist of On-scene Response Team; Medical Officer in charge of the Emergency Room; all residents of the Department of Orthopedics; Medical Officer in charge of the Operating Room (OR); Surgical Team on duty for the day; Surgical Team on duty the previous day; Mental health professionals; all anesthesiology residents; Toxicologist, chemical experts for poisoning and/or chemical cases (if available); all third and fourth year residents; Administrative Officer or designate; Nursing supervisor on duty; All OR nurses; Social workers; Dietary personnel; Officer in charge of supplies and the entire security force and institutional workers on duty.