Three field hospitals near to completion
The units are specially adapted to deal with coronavirus patients
THE THREE field hospitals which are being constructed in the Valencia region will be completed this weekend, according to councillor for the interior and justice, Gabriela Bravo.
Sra Bravo noted that the facilities are being constructed next to the main general hospitals in the cities of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón.
She said the field hospitals will be used ‘in principal’ to care for patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus, but they will be equipped to deal with ‘any clinical eventuality’.
The councillor assured that although they have been called field hospitals, they are being built to the highest standards.
Sra Bravo explained that the new units are specially adapted to deal with coronavirus patients and are ‘highly recommended for them’.
Metallic structures are made of aluminium instead of iron or steel ‘because the life of the virus is much shorter on this material’ and disappears in two hours, she explained.
The floors are made of plastic and are ‘very easy to disinfect’. Each of the centres contains a series of modules measuring six metres by three metres and these can be adapted to the needs of the patient who is being treated.
Sra Brava noted that the facilities will provide 1,100 extra beds for the whole region during emergency.
The centres will be kitted out next week and will be ‘integrated into the systems of the respective hospitals’.
They will have shower units and hot water and will be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis.
“The field hospitals will allow the health service to take the pressure off the healthcare system,” said the councillor.
Figures from the regional department for health published yesterday (Wednesday) showed that 1,887 coronavirus patients are being treated in hospitals around the Valencia region and 384 of them are in intensive care units.
Sra Bravo noted that the field hospitals would also help the region to deal with any future outbreak of the virus.
More than 450 people have been working on the planning and construction, which is being carried out by a ministry of defence contractor. the health