Increase in admission

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services has identified an increase in the admission of dengue, viral illness and acute febrile illness cases.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry stated the children’s general outpatients department at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva had been closed as of last Tuesday and was to be temporarily utilised as an admission ward.

“Existing patients who were recovering in the department have been moved to the temporary ward for observation — opening the other three children’s wards for more serious cases,” the ministry stated.

“This reallocation of space is part of the hospital’s surge capacity planning strategy which is instituted when necessary to ensure minimum disruption in services.”

The ministry has advised those in need of pediatric services to visit their nearest health centres where emergency cases would then be referred to the CWMH’s emergency department.