Chonnam National University Hospital Shines in COVID-19 Crisis Response Capability

Directly Producing Insufficient Protective Equipment

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam National University Hospital (Director Lee Sam-yong) is demonstrating rapid crisis response capabilities by directly producing some medical protective equipment that is in short supply due to the spread of COVID-19 infections.

According to Jeonnam National University Hospital on the 23rd, the Nursing Department (Head Shin Eun-sook) recently began producing 'face shields,' one of the essential protective equipment worn by medical staff working on the front lines of COVID-19, such as screening clinics, public safety hospitals, and emergency rooms, due to an absolute shortage of supply.

Face shields are infection-prevention facial protectors designed to be much lighter than goggles and easy to put on and take off.

Currently, most face shields are imported, making domestic distribution difficult, and government support has been suspended, resulting in insufficient supply.

Foreseeing this situation, Jung Jong-hae, manager of the Central Supply Room in the Nursing Department, along with linen room staff, agreed to "let's make them ourselves" and began preparations earlier this month.

After two hours of work daily, they succeeded in producing enough products for medical staff to use, eventually making about 60 pieces per day.

It is said that the research and efforts of employee Hong Seung-ho, known as the "MacGyver of the Central Supply Room," greatly helped make the products more robust.

Medical staff wearing equipment filled with their colleagues' dedication have alleviated the inconvenience of having to wear goggles instead of face shields until now and can now ensure safer medical care.

The enthusiasm for producing face shields, which started with the small passion of the Central Supply Room, has now heated up further with the participation of fellow nurses, executives, and administrative staff.

Jung Jong-hae, who led this production, said, "This started as a way to encourage colleagues who are sweating despite the risk of infection," adding, "It is difficult, but with the support of my colleagues, I will do my best to produce until sufficient quantities are secured."

Also, while the price of face shields, which used to be about 1,600 won each, has increased nearly 4 to 5 times since the outbreak of COVID-19, Jeonnam National University Hospital’s handmade products only cost about 200 won in materials, thus also gaining economic benefits.

This swift and coordinated crisis response ability of the Nursing Department shone once again during the COVID-19 situation, following the personal hygiene compliance campaign during the 2015 MERS outbreak.

Nursing Department Head Shin Eun-sook said, "I feel great pride in the department members who are showing even more passionate attitudes despite the increased workload and difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19," and added, "The Nursing Department of Jeonnam National University Hospital will continue to faithfully carry out its duties until the moment COVID-19 is eradicated."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.