Patients’ watchers barred from VSMMC, housed in Fuente

CEBU, Philippines —  Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center’s strict implementation of the “no watchers and visitors” policy has forced families and relatives of patients to move out of the hospital as a proactive measure in minimizing exposure to the coronavirus.

The move has spawned a problem for many of these watchers as they come from far towns and cities in the province and do not have the means to rent a place in the city.

They have found temporary relief, however, in Fuente Osmeña Circle in midtown Cebu City where the city government has put up tents and makeshift shanties for them.

Cebu City administrator Floro Casas Jr. is set to meet with representatives from the Cebu provincial government and other concerned parties to discuss on what to do with these watchers of patients.

City Councilor David Tumulak said the city government set up Wednesday the tents in Fuente for the watchers.

“Our city administrator will call a meeting with provincial government and the VSMMC how the city can provide assistance to all watchers,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak added that as a matter of respect to the provincial government, they will hear their suggestions since most of the watchers are from different areas in the province.

Among the things to be discussed will be provisions on food, establishment of more tents and portalets or portable toilets, among others.

“There should have been a collaborative effort to extend assistance among government institutions,” said Tumulak.

Since April, VSMMC has been discouraging watchers to enter the facility for safety reasons, although the “no watchers and visitors” policy had been strictly implemented only starting last June 9.

The policy, however, does not apply to watchers for pediatric and renal patients.

“Pedia patients need patient care, signing of documents, education and instruction and counseling while renal patients will be allowed watchers for a maximum of four hours,” the hospital said in a statement.

“This is part of our infection prevention control measures to ensure the safety of our patients, their families, and health care workers. Let us help each other,” read the hospital’s advisory to the public during a Facebook live session on Tuesday.

Despite such advisory, there are still a lot of watchers who have preferred to stay in the vicinity of the hospital.

These past two weeks, more watchers were seen flocking outside the hospital that Sambag 2 barangay captain Ryan Aznar got alarmed and expressed his concern to the city government.

Makeshift tents had been set up on the sidewalks around the hospital but when it rained last Tuesday, IATF Cebu operations deputy chief Councilor Joel Garganera called Department of Public Services head Jigo Dacua to set up tents in Fuente circle.

Yesterday, the temporary shelter already had some outlets for charging and some plywood for more privacy and protection from wind, dust or rain. Watchers were also seen being provided with food.

As to how long they can be allowed to stay in Fuente, it remains to be seen.  JMD (FREEMAN)