Hospital in Nghe An deploys cold-proof solutions for patients

The cold weather has caused many people in Nghe An to fall ill. At the Stroke Center, Nghe An General Hospital, about 25-30 seriously ill patients are being treated every day. The large number of patients has caused the center to be constantly overloaded. On the morning of January 26, the number of patients being treated here was 120 patients/100 planned hospital beds.

The center has also tried to arrange, distribute, and regulate patients appropriately, not letting patients lie in the hallway. To prevent cold, the Stroke Center has activated the entire 2-way air conditioning system; arranged heaters, fans, and added more blankets to help keep patients warm.

Discussing the work of preventing and combating cold, Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Van Huong - Director of Nghe An General Hospital said: The hospital has organized the work of preventing and combating cold right from the Examination Department and the Emergency Department. At these two departments, when receiving patients, doctors try to quickly carry out the reception procedures; confirm early whether the patient is cold or not to take measures to keep the patient warm. The Emergency Department arranges a warm enough room to keep the patient.

Nghe An General Hospital has added and installed a two-way air conditioning system, directed clinical departments to activate the entire air conditioning system; provided heaters and fans for patients if necessary; ensured that the patient rooms were airtight and had enough light; provided additional clothes and blankets for patients; and selected appropriate times of the day to ventilate the air to avoid hospital infections. Doctors also advised patients to keep their bodies warm.

At Vinh City General Hospital, during this cold season, the number of patients has not changed much. Patients coming for outpatient examination and treatment are concentrated in the morning. Doctor Pham Van Son - Deputy Director of Vinh City General Hospital said: In this situation, the hospital has reviewed the entire examination and treatment process and patient waiting areas to cover windy areas, ensuring that waiting rooms are windproof and warm; increasing consultation for patients and their families to implement personal protection to ensure keeping the body warm. The hospital has also activated 2-way air conditioners, added blankets, mattresses, and heaters to help patients resist the cold, stabilize, and recover their health soon.

Information from the Medical Center of Ky Son District, Tuong Duong District and the Northwest Regional General Hospital: In this toxic and harmful weather, the number of outpatients has decreased but the number of seriously ill patients has increased. To help patients prevent and fight the cold when going to see a doctor or get treatment, these units have ensured the prevention and fight against the cold for patients during the examination and treatment process at the hospital: the waiting area, the Examination Department, Diagnostic Imaging, patient rooms... are airtight, have enough blankets, mattresses, heaters and means to maintain the appropriate temperature as required by the Hospital Quality Criteria 2.0.

In addition, medical examination and treatment facilities also rearrange the examination and treatment process; try to carry out the steps quickly so that patients do not have to wait long; prioritize examination and treatment for the elderly and children. In addition to blocking windy areas; adding heaters and 2-way air conditioners to patient rooms, these facilities also increase disease prevention communication to the people as well as distribute warm clothes (sponsored by charitable organizations) to poor patients.

According to forecasts, this cold spell is likely to last until the end of January. To protect health and prevent respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, doctors recommend that people, especially the elderly and children, limit going outdoors when the weather is too cold and windy, especially between 9pm and 6am. When going out, you should wear enough warm clothes to block the wind, such as jackets, long pants that are thick enough to keep warm, scarves, hats, gloves, socks, masks, etc.; always keep your body dry, avoid getting wet, especially the neck, hands, and feet when going out and sleeping to limit diseases caused by colds.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, charcoal smoke, do not drink alcohol, beer, especially people in mountainous areas need to pay attention because drinking alcohol causes blood vessels to constrict, causing high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and death; avoid drinks containing stimulants such as caffeine. Do not bathe late at night after 10pm, bathe for too long or bathe in places that are not windproof because it is easy to get heat shock, which is life-threatening. Use warm water to bathe and clean the body.

It is necessary to clean the mouth and throat regularly every day, such as brushing teeth regularly before and after waking up; gargling with warm water mixed with diluted salt helps disinfect the throat and limit sore throat. Regularly wash hands with soap to remove bacteria; get vaccinated to prevent flu.

In addition, eating and drinking enough nutrients ensure the body's energy to fight the cold. Daily meals need to supplement the 4 basic groups of nutrients (starch, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals). People with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, musculoskeletal disease... who have been diagnosed must pay attention to following the principles of taking medication, having a reasonable exercise and nutrition regimen according to the doctor's instructions. Regular physical exercise and sports help warm the body, improve resistance and tolerance to cold weather conditions.