This story is from September 16, 2020

Chandigarh: PGI mulls pooling patients for 100 extra beds

A possibility of pooling patients in wards and using the same manpower exists, the PGI found in a survey for space allocation that it had conducted following the ministry of health and family welfare directions to spare 100 more beds for Covid care.
Chandigarh: PGI mulls pooling patients for 100 extra beds
PGI Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH: A possibility of pooling patients in wards and using the same manpower exists, the PGI found in a survey for space allocation that it had conducted following the ministry of health and family welfare directions to spare 100 more beds for Covid care.
As many as 15 wards were assessed. The survey found 15-100% beds were unoccupied in some wards due to halt in routine surgeries and fewer admissions other than emergency and Covid patients.
“This is the only way to utilise our existing manpower and resources.
The director has proposed to allow antigen testing outside the hospital in open areas to avoid crowding. And those who turn negative can be admitted,” said a faculty member. He said, “Those who turn positive can be sent to a holding area for a confirmatory test.”
According to the survey, out of 662 beds in various wards, including maternity, plastic surgery, orthopaedic and ENT, 237 patients are admitted. There are 64% beds unoccupied in these wards. “These vary with time, however if the same can be pooled, the space can be made for Covid patients,” said a faculty member.
It was felt after the survey that the capacity of the wards is not being utilised and pooling of patients can be done. The survey reported the patients for instance from dialysis unit can be shifted to female or male wards and the ICU can be shared with some other department. Seeing the less beds occupied in ENT/orthopaedic wards, it was proposed to pool them with neurology ward. If elective surgeries are halted, female surgical wards can be closed and patients shifted to male surgical ward.
On Tuesday, there were 230 patients in the Covid hospital in PGI. The staff there cannot work in non-Covid zone. “That is why pooling can work to utilise the limited manpower for extra 100 beds for Covid in non- Covid area,” said a faculty.
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About the Author
Shimona Kanwar

Shimona Kanwar is an assistant editor who joined The Times of India in 2005. She covers science and health, and prefers an interdisciplinary approach. She loves simplifying science stories, sheering them of jargon to ensure enjoyable reading.

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