Step-down units can address shortage of hospital beds

MANILA – Hospitals can take in more coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients amid the increasing number of infections with additional step-down facilities.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega encouraged the construction of more convalescent units during the Laging Handa press briefing on Friday.

He said recovering Covid-19 patients from the intensive care unit (ICU) or those with moderate symptoms should be transferred to step-down facilities so that continuing treatment can still be provided.

He said it could decongest hospitals, especially in Metro Manila, which is “generally high-risk to ICU utilization” or at a critical stage.

“Kaya ito ang tinitingnan namin po lalo na sa One Hospital Command kung puwede ho naming ma-coordinate iyong mga transfer of patients or referrals, lalung-lalo na sa mga pasyenteng nangangailangan na ng intensive care units, sa mga areas na puwede pa ho silang tatanggapin (That’s what we are looking at within the One Hospital Command. If possible, we will coordinate the transfer of patients and referrals, particularly the acceptance of those patients needing intensive care units in some areas),” he said.

Vega said Tondo Medical Center’s step-down facility is at the Philippine International Convention Center, while the Lung Center of the Philippines and Rizal Medical Center have their own facilities.

“Itong mga step-down care na concept para ho ma-decongest na iyong mga recuperating patients sa next level of care or lower level of care para ho ma-decongest naman iyong mga hospitals (This step-down care concept of recuperating patients to the level of care or lower level of care will decongest hospitals) and cater to more Covid-19 patients,” he said.