Seoul National University Hospital Adds COVID-19 Beds and Postpones Non-Emergency Surgeries... "Vaccination Recommended"

Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 20th that it will switch to an emergency system to respond to the prolonged COVID-19 outbreak.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Seoul National University Hospital is focusing on treating severe COVID-19 patients by postponing non-emergency surgeries and securing additional hospital beds in response to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

On the 20th, Seoul National University Hospital announced that it made this decision at a recent meeting of all department heads chaired by Director Kim Yeonsu.

First, Seoul National University Hospital decided to postpone surgeries such as spinal or joint operations and non-urgent brain and heart surgeries. This is to reduce the demand for intensive care units by delaying non-emergency surgeries and to create spare capacity in beds and personnel. Specific details will be determined by medical staff judgment, and cancer surgeries will not be postponed.

Seoul National University Hospital currently has 54 COVID-19 beds and plans to expand to 90 beds. The hospital is currently operating 42 intensive care beds and 12 semi-intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients. Bundang Seoul National University Hospital will also increase its COVID-19 intensive care beds from 40 to over 70.

Seoul Metropolitan Boramae Medical Center, operated by Seoul National University Hospital, is reportedly discussing with the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to increase COVID-19 intensive care beds from 18 to 40.

For unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, the hospital is also considering partially restricting hospital admissions unless medically necessary. A Seoul National University Hospital official explained, "This means we recommend vaccination," adding, "It does not mean that unvaccinated patients will be refused admission unconditionally."

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