Field ICU a boost to Sibu’s fight against Covid-19
SIBU: The state’s first field hybrid intensive care unit (ICU) will help boost Sibu Hospital’s capacity in the fight against Covid-19, said Nangka incumbent Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said the facility, constructed at a cost of RM6.4 million and housed in the open space of the hospital premises, began operation last month.
“This 10-bed field hybrid ICU will increase the existing bed capacity of ICU ward at Sibu Hospital.
“That said, what is more important is for the public to continue adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) laid down by the authorities to break the chain of Covid-19 infection.
“Concerted efforts are required in this fight against Covid-19 and the public playing their part will reduce the burden of frontliners, who have been working so hard since the beginning of Covid-19 outbreak, as well as preventing the hospital from being stretched to the limit,” Dr Annuar said during his visit to the field hybrid ICU yesterday.
Adding on, he said while the number of new Covid-19 cases appeared to be dropping in Sibu, it did not mean that residents here can start becoming complacent and let their guard down.
He also thanked everyone from frontliners to members of the public, who had persevered when Covid cases were high in September and October, until its decline of late.
“We also wish to thank generous donors who had stepped forward to donate medical equipment and supplies to Sibu Hospital,” he said.
It is learned that the field hybrid ICU in Sibu is the eighth such facility in the country.
Meanwhile, Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, said the extra 10-bed ICU would help reduce the burden in the hospital ward and give better care to patients needing close monitoring.
Sibu Hospital Anaesthesiology ICU Department head Dr Betty Lee Leh Sieng said there are eight patients currently getting treatment in the field hybrid ICU.
Dr Annuar also checked out the field hospital located in Sibu Hospital’s compound yesterday.
“I was made to understand that this field hospital to house non-Covid-19 patients will start taking in patients tomorrow and this will lessen the burden on the hospital ward,” he said.
On the 100-bed semipermanent structure to be constructed by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) at Sibu Hospital’s compound, Dr Annuar said it will take about four weeks to complete the structure.
“All the structure materials are here already and so far, 60 beds have been delivered, with another 40 on the way to be delivered. When it is ready, the field hospital will gradually be dismantled,” he explained, adding that the 100-bed semipermanent structure is to cater for non-Covid-19 patients.