Battling COVID-19 by Accepting 11% of Severe COVID-19 Patients Nationwide at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital



In May 2021, the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in Taiwan. Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, being the only medical center in New Taipei City, the epicenter of the outbreak, immediately activated the protocol for accepting large number of patients with highly infectious diseases. The hospital prepared the circulation plan for the intensive care units, took inventory of available beds and manpower as well as deployed medical equipment. A total of 175 doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists are called upon to battle the pandemic.
The period between May 24 and 27 was the peak of the pandemic in New Taipei City. In addition to caring for the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital provided 299 isolation wards in the quarantine stations within 80 hours and treated 842 patients at 2 of the largest quarantine stations in Banqiao and Sanchong Districts. By mid-June, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital has treated 1,014 COVID patients at the hospital as well as the 2 quarantine stations. The number accounts for approximately 20% of the total COVID-19 patients in New Taipei City, 10% nationwide. As of June 8th, the hospital had accepted 11%, the highest percentage of severe COVID-19 patients in Taiwan. Total confirmed COVID-19 patients accepted by the hospital account for 7% of the national total. The care provided by the hospital has been highly recognized by the society and government. It has shown the pivotal role Far Eastern Memorial Hospital plays within the medical system in Taiwan.