Qualimed Sta. Rosa to be converted to COVID-19 referral hospital

The Ayala Group of Companies on Monday announced the conversion of Qualimed Sta. Rosa in Laguna as a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) referral hospital.

In a statement, the Ayala Group said it signed an agreement with Qualimed on April 20, 2020 to expand the hospital's capabilities to manage more patients through several initiatives.

This includes the building of a COVID-19 triage holding area adjacent to Qualimed Sta. Rosa, the building of a biosafety level 2 laboratory, and converting of inpatient beds for the exclusive use of COVID-19 patients.

It will also entail the expansion of the hospital's current intensive care unit (ICU) facility, and the formation of a dedicated team of medical professionals, including volunteer clinical staff from the Qualimed, FamilyDOC, and Healthway networks.

"Beating COVID-19 requires a collective effort, and Qualimed Sta. Rosa will be partnering with other hospitals and local government units for COVID referrals," said AC Healthcare Holdings Inc. president and chief executive officer Paolo Borromeo.

"We are deeply grateful to the frontliners at Sta. Rosa and the other healthcare professionals from the rest of the Qualimed Health Network, our FamilyDOC and Healthway clinics, and other affiliate hospitals, who have volunteered to be part of this initiative," he added.

Qualimed Sta. Rosa is now open to receiving COVID-19 referrals, and upgraded facilities will be opened in phases starting May 1.

"I look forward to working together with AC Health, and the rest of the Ayala Group, to further build the capabilities of our hospital," said Dr. Edwin Mercado, president and chief executive officer of Qualimed Health Network.

"As a referral institution, the facility will be compliant with infection control standards to ensure the safety of patients and medical professionals. It also aims to expand screening and testing more broadly to contribute to public health control efforts," he elaborated.

The Philippines has recorded a total of 6,259 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of April 19, 2020. This includes 572 recoveries and 409 deaths.—AOL, GMA News