By Minka Klaudia Tiangco
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III lauded the Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila and said it is well on its way to becoming a Level 3 hospital during an inspection Friday morning.
NSPECTION—Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso lead the inspection of the Sta. Ana Hospital that was recently designated by the city government as the sole district hospital to handle coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients in the city. (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office/MANILA BULLETIN)
NSPECTION—Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso lead the inspection of the Sta. Ana Hospital that was recently designated by the city government as the sole district hospital to handle coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients in the city. (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office/MANILA BULLETIN)
"Sta. Ana (Hospital) has what it takes to be a Level 3 hospital soon," he said. "There is solid basis to make that statement. It's really up to you to level up and comply with what it takes to make it a Level 3 hospital, that will be a source of pride to the citizens of Manila."
Department of Health (DOH) guidelines state that there are three levels for Philippine hospitals. Hospitals that fall under Level 3 have high-specialty intervention services such as dialysis treatment and physical rehabilitation.
HERO HEALTH WORKERS—Frontline health workers of the Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila celebrate the hospital's 10th year founding anniversary with a dance number. The hospital was recently designated by the Manila City government as the sole district hospital to handle coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients in the city. (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office/MANILA BULLETIN)
Currently, Sta. Ana Hospital is at Level 2, meaning it has facilities such as an intensive care unit (ICU) that can handle emergency and non-emergency patient transfers and critically ill patients, and has doctors specializing in gynecology and pediatric services.
The hospital, which recently celebrated its 10th founding anniversary, was designated by the Manila City government as the sole district hospital to attend to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the city.
Dr. Grace Padilla, Sta. Ana Hospital director, said the hospital has a 300-bed capacity. On its 10th floor is the Manila Infectious Disease Control Center (MIDCC) that now has a 33-bed capacity following several expansions and after it was accredited as a COVID-19 isolation ward by the DOH.
"Hindi nagagamit ang ninth and 10th floor before. Nagtatanong kami kung bakit. Ngayon maliwanag na, pinapakita ng Diyos ang layunin ng ospital (Back then, we were wondering why the ninth and 10th floor were not in use. Now, it is clear, God is showing us the true purpose of this hospital)," she said.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who was also present during the inspection, attributed Duque's approval to the city government's constant coordination with the DOH, as well as the efforts of the hospital's health workers.
"Our doctors, nurses, health workers...they are dedicated. You need a good mindset and commitment to really do your job," the mayor said. "We in the city government are just a support group. Whatever result that came out of the inspection is due to the work of our health workers in Manila and Sta. Ana Hospital."
Padilla said there have been 92 COVID-19 patients admitted at the MIDCC. A total of 47 patients were discharged.
Domagoso commended the health workers of Sta. Ana Hospital for managing to heal COVID-19 patients despite the "difficult" work involved.
"MIDCC is only two months old and yet we have treated many patients infected with COVID-19," he said. "I would like to personally congratulate you and thank you for all your service."
The hospital director also said that 25 of its health workers tested positive for COVID-19 after 80 percent of them underwent swab testing. She also reported that 13 health workers from different hospitals in the city have recovered from the disease.
"Hindi kami nagpapatalo, nagpapalakas lamang sila at handa sila bumalik sa serbisyo (We will not let COVID-19 defeat us. They are recuperating and are ready to return to work)," she said.