At one time, there were times when there were no critically ill beds in the metropolitan area. Currently, there are more than 70 beds in the metropolitan area and more than 150 beds in the whole country.
However, reporter Seo Young-ji reported on the reason why patients continue to die in nursing homes.
[기자]
It is a nursing hospital in Guro-gu, Seoul.
Since the 15th, the same group has been quarantined.
Patients with a positive corona test can be seen moving as soon as a treatable bed is available, while patients with negative results can be seen moving home or to another hospital.
Only here are more than 160 confirmed cases.
All the caregivers went out.
Some nurses also went out.
Some nurses have been confirmed.
There are now 50 hospital staff and medical staff inside.
I take care of the patient, but it is not enough.
Confirmed and non-confirmed are mixed
[최희찬/미소들요양병원 신경과장 : 양성환자를 빼는 게 환자 사망률도 낮추고 새롭게 음성으로 가는 것도 막을 수 있고 더불어서 의료진이 다 지금 거의 붕괴 직전이에요. 일본에서 일어난 유람선하고 비슷한 거고요. 오히려 더 심하죠. 인센티브를 더 많이 줘서 평택 박애병원처럼 종합병원을 지정해야죠.]
Bed utilization is also a problem.
Even if there is a bed, it cannot be used if the utilization rate exceeds 90%.
This is because equipment and manpower are scarce.
Currently, Seoul is over 85%.
The metropolitan area is also close to 80%.
There are many empty beds, but it is in a situation that cannot be used.
It is also a problem that there is not enough manpower to take care of patients even when they move.
A dedicated nursing hospital that the government has promised to create will be possible only early next year.
[A요양병원 의료진 : 함께 계셨던 음성 나온 환자들이 2~3주 내에 확진이 나오지 않고 거길 거쳐서 일반 병원으로 갈 수 있게끔 해주는 중간 단계 병원이 더 시급한 것 같습니다.]
The quarantine authorities said they would send a medical support team to nursing hospitals nationwide to provide appropriate treatment until a bed is secured.
(Screen provided: Smiles Nursing Hospital)
(Video Design: Soyeon Kim)