GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hospital’s administration will close down its outpatient department (OPD) and convert it into a Covid-19 ward to handle the surge of virus cases in the state.
The decision, which was decided on in a meeting earlier today, aims to also ensure that people’s movement in the hospital is curbed as well as allowing for additional space to handle Covid-19 patients.
A circular sighted by The Vibes sent to relevant departments in the hospital stated that the northeast district Health Department has agreed to accept and handle those requiring outpatient treatment and distribute medicines dispersed by the Penang Hospital’s pharmacy department and the district Health Department.
It is learnt that the OPD will be closed until further notice, or when the number of Covid-19 cases is brought down to a minimal level.
The circular, however, also stated that the OPD’s information counter and triage (sorting of and allocation of treatment to patients) will function as usual.
It added that walk-in patients will be referred to the emergency ward triage to attend to emergency cases.
The circular also added that diabetes and hypertension patients will be handled by a kiosk set up on Level 1 of the Education Resources Centre for reference letters, and a hotline will be opened to handle patients with appointments.
Blood tests will be conducted as usual by the relevant departments.
There will be no changes at the electrocardiography (ECG), eye clinic, ears, nose and throat (ENT) and dietetics departments.
Meanwhile, social activist P. Murugiah expressed his support for the move, saying it will prevent those receiving outpatient treatment from being infected by Covid-19.
However, he called on the authorities to keep state health clinics open until 10pm so residents with cold, cough and flu symptoms can visit these facilities to seek treatment after office hours and to accommodate those returning home late after work. – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
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