Fortis reserves 50 beds for Covid positive patients

NEW DELHI: Fortis Shalimar Bagh has reserved 50 beds for COVID positive and suspected patients, according to hospital officials. Private hospitals with 50 or more beds will need to set aside 20% of their bed strength for COVID-19 patients, the Delhi government ordered on Sunday in a measure meant to prepare the city’s healthcare system for a surge in infections.

“Hospital has made a separate entry for Covid patients with a dedicated Screening/flu Clinic and a respiratory triage for assessment. A dedicated isolated wing has been created with separate ICU & wards for management of Covid patients,” said Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Zonal Director at Fortis Hospital.

This comes at a time where data reveals that 74 of 82 ICU beds earmarked for COVID19 patients in the city’s seven private hospitals are occupied at the moment. At six government hospitals, on the other hand, only 111 of 348 ICU beds for Coronavirus patients are occupied. Fortis meanwhile says that separate team has been put in place to look after the covid patients. Meanwhile, hospitals both government and private have taken precautionary measures for non-covid patients who are coming for check-up. Surgeries that can be delayed are being postponed, but in various emergency cases, surgeries are being held.

While doctors are wearing PPES for safety, patients are also advised to follow certain guidelines. At private hospitals, the patients who are visiting for weekly check-ups the patient is advised to wear PPE. When visiting OPD one person has been advised is allowed to accompany each patient. While the OPD have been partially opened in majority of hospitals, many have adapted teleconsultations.