GEORGE TOWN – Dining rooms and dental clinics at Penang Hospital are being converted into wards to cope with the surge in Covid-19 patients.
A staffer, speaking to The Vibes on condition of anonymity, said these spaces have to be repurposed within a week.
“This week has been the worst since the pandemic started, there are too many people coming in.
“Just last night, three senior citizens fell in the ward because the floor was uneven and a little slippery. This is very serious, especially when such incidents involve seniors.
“But, we have no choice because there is no more space to accommodate these patients. Even those deemed at risk are placed in the stable patients’ ward.”
The hospital’s dining rooms will cater to patients requiring medical oxygen, and discussions are ongoing to convert the outpatient unit into a Covid-19 ward.
The general operating theatre, meanwhile, will serve as a coronavirus intensive care unit.
When these changes are implemented, walk-ins and follow-up cases will most likely be referred to nearby government clinics.
Penang yesterday recorded 713 new Covid-19 infections, involving 524 locals and 189 non-citizens.
Seberang Prai Tengah district recorded 250 cases, followed by Seberang Prai Utara (144), Timur Laut (140), Seberang Prai Selatan (115) and Barat Daya (61).
There are currently 4,182 cases still active in the state. – The Vibes, August 1, 2021
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