BACOLOD CITY – The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), the Apex Hospital of the Negros Island Region, has issued a public advisory confirming an increase in leptospirosis admissions, prompting the establishment of dedicated wards and a shift in patient prioritization.
According to reported data, the current number of admitted leptospirosis cases has reached nine as 3 PM, last Sunday, compared to the hospital’s usual admission rate of zero to two cases per month.
The CLMMRH noted that the hospital is currently experiencing an increase in referrals for leptospirosis, which includes moderate to severe cases, particularly from South Negros Occidental.
In response to the surge, CLMMRH announced it would prioritize severe leptospirosis referrals.
The hospital is also establishing dedicated wards for both adult and pediatric patients to ensure safe, appropriate, and timely management of the growing number of cases.
Referring facilities, such as local government hospitals and clinics, have been advised to coordinate closely with the operations center of CLMMRH and strictly observe proper patient coordination and transfer protocols.
John Michael Gabriel Zaragoza, head of Integrated Hospital Operations and Management Section, stated that severe leptospirosis cases must be managed in tertiary care facilities for advanced treatment like MPPT and hemodialysis, as Level 1 hospitals lack nephrologists and have limited bed capacity, which can hinder timely referrals and admission of other patients with different illnesses.
The regional hospital urged the continued understanding and cooperation of the public and referring facilities as they manage bed capacity and ensure timely care for all affected patients. (Theresa Mae Dulman via tvds)