Health ministry orders halt to inpatient visiting in some medical facilities

The Ministry of Health has announced a halt to inpatient visits in some critical units within public hospitals to limit the spread of COVID-19 after the country witnessed outbreaks in hospitals that lead to deaths.
Health ministry orders halt to inpatient visiting in some medical facilities ảnh 1A doctor checks the health of a COVID-19 patient in the Hue Central Hospital (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Health has announced a halt to inpatient visits in somecritical units within public hospitals to limit the spread of COVID-19after the country witnessed outbreaks in hospitals that lead to deaths.

It noted that in Da Nang city, the country’s current coronavirusepicentre, those infected have included health workers, patients with chronichealth issues and their caregivers or visiting relatives.

To minimise the spread of the virus to those groups, the ministry asked healthdepartments of all cities and provinces in the country, directors of hospitalsand institutes under the management of the health ministry to review compliancewith regulations on prevention and control of the disease.

In addition to strict observance of social distancing measures inhospitals, health facilities need to ensure people who enter hospitals andtheir affiliated buildings wear masks and sanitise their hands.

Health facilities must carry out screenings to quarantine and indicate COVID-19 testingfor suspected infection cases and their relatives in the examination andclinical faculties. The facilities are also asked by the ministry to assess therisks of COVID-19 infections within their staff or service providers topromptly detect infections and carry out necessary measures as soon aspossible.

All clinical faculties must set up isolation chambers to temporarily keepsuspected COVID-19 cases during their treatment until they obtain negativeresults from confirmatory tests, enhance ventilation in their buildings androoms as well as frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces, closely managewaste, and ensure a safe distance between beds.

They must also ensure adequate supply and proper use of equipment andpersonal protective gear for all health workers.

It is necessary to arrange enough human resources to provide comprehensive carefor patients in key departments such as the intensive care unit, the emergencyunit, faculties dealing with tropical diseases or infectious diseases.

Relatives and private caregivers of the patients in these units are not allowedin hospitals during the current period, while hospitals must reduce the visitsfrom relatives for other groups of patients (only one person is allowed atmax).

An inspection team should be established at all facilities to frequentlymonitor the compliance to safety and hygiene measures among all patients,caregivers, and the medical staff as well./.
VNA

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