UST HOSPITAL began accepting patients anew in early June, more than two months after hundreds of workers were quarantined by the coronavirus.
The hospital said it was “ready to take care” of patients again in a Facebook post last June 7.
“USTH remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients and their relatives/companions. The hallways, corridors, business offices, pharmacy, and all clinical units’ reception areas are SAFE zones,” it said.
It urged clients to wear face masks, observe physical distancing and wash their hands regularly.
UST Hospital was forced in late March to regulate admissions and postpone elective procedures at selected units due to a reduced workforce and increased patient admissions.
In a statement on March 22, the UST Hospital management said a total of 530 hospital staff including consultants, fellows, residents, nurses, and aides were quarantined due to exposure to patients with, or suspected to have, Covid-19.
“To address the issues brought about by the depleted workforce, we have consolidated several wards in the Private and Clinical Division, temporarily held elective admissions and had to temporarily stop elective procedures in selected units,” the March statement read.
The Clinical Division Medical Ward was designated as the Covid Unit for patients classified as Covid-positive, or patients under investigation.
The hospital also said it faced a shortage of personal protective equipment.
