Songklanagarind Hospital, as the main healthcare provider of the southern region, is well-prepared for any situation, including the current COVID-19 epidemic crisis. The hospital has been playing an important role in treating patients and preventing an increase of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Infectious disease specialist Assoc. Prof. Saranyu Chusri, MD. at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, revealed that while respiratory infection patients were previously kept isolated in negative pressure rooms at various wards, during the COVID-19 epidemic, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are kept in isolation at the dedicated ward, which can also be used to treat patients with other respiratory infections, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and unknown infections.
Currently, the Respiratory Tract Infections ward at the hospital can accommodate about 20 patients in intensive care, in addition to the ten-bed Patient Under Investigation (PUI) room. The effectiveness and large capacity of the ward allows treatment of several patients in the region, making Songklanagarind Hospital well-prepared to deal with all aspects of the COVID-19 epidemic through the following assets:
- 30 beds for COVID-19 patient treatment;
- experts in treating patients with COVID-19;
- a laboratory for COVID-19 diagnosis (capacity: 500 cases per day);
- a prescription system for the treatment of COVID-19, in conjunction with the provincial public health authorities;
- blood plasma of cured COVID-19 patients.
Since the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, Songklanagarind Hospital has treated more than 20 patients until full recovery. However, to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, people must also strictly adhere to preventive measures by wearing a face mask, washing hands frequently, keeping appropriate distance, and avoiding travel into crowded areas or places with a high risk of COVID-19 infection.
Songklanagarind Hospital still provides services for treating patients as usual follows the epidemic control measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) guideline. If you suspect to be infected with the COVID-19 virus, or to be at risk of infection, you can contact the Initial Screening Hotline (COVID Call Center), 091-2220166, Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00. Those traveling from “red zone” controlled areas as defined by the Ministry of Public Health or the Communicable Disease Control Committee of Songkhla, and have not yet completed their 14-day quarantine after returning, in case of urgency, can reschedule their hospital appointment during working hours from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 074-285000, or by visiting the website: qdefer.psu.link