Makeshift hospital: An effective way to treat COVID-19 patients

In early February, to alleviate a shortage of hospital beds in Wuhan, epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, authorities decided to convert public facilities such as conference venues and sports stadiums into temporary hospitals to accommodate COVID-19 patients with milder symptoms.

Construction on the first makeshift facility began on Feb 3 and on the third day, the first batch of patients was admitted.

The first three makeshift hospitals, with 4,000 beds, were set up in 29 hours. It took Wuhan one day on average to finish construction of one makeshift hospital.

On Feb 11, the first batch of patients was discharged from the hospitals.

On Feb 27, 16 makeshift hospitals were completed, offering more than 13,000 beds.

On March 1, the first makeshift hospital was closed after all patients were discharged and the remaining 15 were closed by March 10.

During the 35-day period, over 12,000 patients had been treated in these hospitals, which means one in every four COVID-19 patients in the city received treatment there.

Over 8,000 medical workers made up of 94 teams from all over the country have fought against the novel conoravirus here, who also helped complete the hospitals while carrying out their work.

The medical staff also included psychologists and psychiatrists to provide support and counseling for patients.

A makeshift hospital operated by TCM professionals was also set up.

Related Story:

Wuhan's makeshift hospitals by the numbers

Makeshift hospitals reduce risks of new infections: epidemiologist