KEPALA BATAS – The setting-up of the 27-bed field intensive care unit (ICU) to treat critical patients at Kepala Batas Hospital is underway.
The field ICU, built for the first time by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Health Ministry (MoH) using a hybrid concept, is expected to be operational by Saturday.
However, the facility may be operational as early as Friday depending on the preparation of water supply facilities, electricity, and so on.
Kluang-based Medical Second Battalion commanding officer Dr Mohd Zamri Derahman said the field ICU will be built using the hybrid concept, with four containers used to house 12 ICU beds.
He added that it would be combined with the use of tents, housing another 15 ICU beds.
“We will open up the 27-bed field ICU to serve as a back-up to Kepala Batas Hospital.”
The hybrid field ICU was suggested after it became apparent that all ICU units in Penang had reached their maximum capacity.
“Prior to this, we had opened field hospitals at halls or community halls in other states.
“This is the first time in the history of ATM that we are using the hybrid concept, which uses a container as a treatment room,” he said when met at Kepala Batas Hospital.
Four containers from ATM in Kluang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur arrived at Kepala Batas Hospital last night.
Dr Zamri said three officers from the Medical Second Battalion would run operations at the field ICU, with the set-up assisted by some 40 armed forces personnel from the army medical corps and the Sg Petani camp.
“Based on our planning, we will send two anaesthetists from the armed forces to be on duty to attend to critical patients.
“There will also be another three medical specialists, including me.
“Besides the five doctors, there will be 30 army medical corps of various positions who will be stationed at the field ICU,” he added.
On Monday, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that based on the current pandemic situation in Penang, a field ICU was urgently needed at Kepala Batas Hospital to treat critical patients.
The field ICU is also to accommodate patients being admitted into ICUs in Penang, which has increased by more than 45% over the past two weeks. – The Vibes, May 19, 2021
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