BEST HOSPITALS
HOSPITAL COVID-19 HEALTHCARE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
ISLAND HOSPITAL
Acclimating to the “ new normal ” From the onset of the pandemic , Island Hospital learnt to adapt quickly to the “ new normal ,” using the situation as a catalyst for positive changes and patient improvements around the hospital .
The past year and a half posed many challenges along the way , with the hospital and its staff having had to make the transition to operate within the altered state of the new norms as well as managing our resources to collaborate with the government in the management of the pandemic .
With the country ’ s borders closed and lockdown prolonged , we embraced the latest online platforms to communicate with our patients , colleagues and vendors virtually . Tele-consultation was especially fruitful , allowing one-to-one sessions between doctors and patients as well as the extension of medicine delivery services that ensured our patients can replenish their regular supply of prescribed medicine without having to step foot in the hospital .
Virtual meetings and consultations , hitherto new to us , have since become a norm that is set to continue post COVID-19 . We have also boosted the hospital ’ s online presence via social media channels and website to keep in touch with both our local and international patients so that they can always get the latest updates .
Island Hospital was also one of the first few hospitals in Penang to offer drive-through COVID-19 swab testing with quick turnaround time . With our patients ’ wellbeing in mind , this convenience was offered to minimise movement of patients entering the main hospital building during the peak of the pandemic . Subsequently , as
Nurse in full PPE on duty at the COVID-19 dedicated ward
the situation improved , a tent was set up with other patients or members of the within the vicinity of the hospital for walkin swab tests . Patients were and are still access to these areas of the hospital and the
public . Non COVID-19 patients will not have
entitled to a complimentary COVID-19 swab designated nurses at the ward will not serve test prior to admission . at other sections of the hospital . Stepping up COVID-19 treatment in the Apart from COVID-19 treatment , the private healthcare sector , we have been hospital was appointed by the Penang State treating our regular patients , as well as new government as the first private healthcare patients who test positive for COVID-19 provider to carry out vaccination for medical professionals and frontliners in Penang , upon admission . COVID-19 patients are admitted and which saw almost 5,000 frontliners showing up at our vaccination centre . Shortly treated in an isolated ward that is locked , with no visitors allowed , and operated after , the hospital was also approved as a strictly in accordance with MOH guidelines . centre for a paid Sinovac vaccination programme for both adults and teenagers .
Leading to the isolated ward is a dedicated route with a private lift to ensure that the patients here will not have cross-contact
52 NOVEMBER 2021 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com