Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 26) — The Philippine General Hospital is asking the help of volunteer healthcare workers as the COVID-19 referral hospital can no longer cope with the surge in new infections.
PGH spokesperson Jonas del Rosario said the hospital’s 320 beds allocated for severe COVID-19 cases are already fully utilized.
PGH also still can’t accept new patients in its emergency room amid the rising number of admissions, he added.
Del Rosario said the only way the hospital can open more COVID-19 beds and wards is to increase its workforce with the help of volunteers.
“In a way na humihingi na kami ng tulong. Voluntary naman po ito, but we’re appealing to them na isang araw na mag-duty ka sa isang buwan, siguro malaking tulong…Parang all hands on deck na,” he told CNN Philippines.
[Translation: We are asking for help. This is voluntary but we are appealing to them. One day of duty per month will be of great help. This will be all hands on deck.]
Del Rosario said they have requested additional manpower from government offices, but they understand that other hospitals are also short-staffed.
