Preparing for the reoccurrence of COVID-19, preemptive advice of social distancing
· ①[COVID-19 Interview Series] Jeong Ho Yeong, CEO of Kyungpook National University Hospital
· ②[COVID-19 Interview Series] Min Pokkee, director of the COVID-19 Countermeasures Division, Daegu Medical Association
· ③[COVID-19 Interview Series] Cha Soon Do, Chairman of Medi-City Daegu Association
Daegu City, which went through the hardest chapter in the country due to COVID-19 mass infection from the Shincheonji Church, is now experiencing only a small number of confirmed cases as medical staff and citizens are united for a breakthrough of the disease. The biggest heroes in this crisis were the medical staff in Daegu. As a small appreciation of their hard work, we interviewed them in a series. We met Jeong Ho Yeong, CEO of Kyungpook National University Hospital, Min Pokkee, the director of Daegu Medical Association's COVID-19 Countermeasures Division, and Cha Soon Do, the chairman of Medi-City Daegu Association. <Editor’s Note>
- Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH) played a central role in treating severe cases of COVID-19 in Daegu. A lot more personnel and supplies are required for severe cases than mild cases, how was this solved?
Severely infected patients need 10~40 times more supplies and personnel than mild patients. We emptied about 350 beds to secure personnel and space, and although there were emergent moments, the required supplies were well provided with help from other places.
- KNUH took charge of not only severe cases but also three life treatment centers for mild cases. I assume that the employees, as well as the medical staff, are very exhausted.
They are indeed extremely exhausted since they helped to treat more than 1,200 patients with severe and mild symptoms so far. Nevertheless, I can only thank them for putting a lot of effort without showing any signs of hardship. The Labor Union also frequently asked if there’s anything they could do to help, which was a great encouragement. Interaction through labor-management cooperation has had an upward effect on labor-management harmony. That's why we will win the battle against COVID-19.
- Numbers of medical staff from all over the country have gathered to Daegu. Perhaps not only the patients but also managing the medical staff must have been quite difficult.
Severe cases care requires skilled professionals, so we filled the need with our own personnel, and volunteer medical staff who came from outside the city assisted in diagnosis at designated clinics. We also placed experienced doctors in the three life treatment centers at our hospital to support volunteers to adapt.
- You have anticipatively suggested through the intranet of the hospital a prolonging of social distancing to prevent COVID-19. What was the background of this proposal, which was made a few days before the government announcement?
It was right after the general election following the cherry blossom festivals and Easter day. There were three mass gatherings. So, I suggested at least the staff at our hospital to prolong social distancing up to two weeks after the election. We also discussed that we should prepare for Fall in case of a second wave, which could be more deadly.
- Seoul National University College of Medicine established the COVID-19 Science Committee website. I see that you’ve taken part as a member of the professional advisory committee.
Our hospital has treated about 100 critically ill patients and 1,100 mild patients so far. I understand that my role is consulting based on these experiences.
- You have advised that COVID-19 can continue to outbreak at any moment, including the fall, and that we need to analyze clinical data and establish definite preparedness. When will do you expect COVID-19 to fade away?
It's hard to predict because infections within small groups continue sporadically, but I'm worried that the infection will fade away a little for a while in Summer and then spread virally again in Fall. I hope my expectations are wrong.
- KNUH had a surplus last year for the first time in nearly a decade. I am guessing the hospital must have lost a lot of money due to COVID-19.
Net loss reached 21.8 billion won in 2015, and 6.6 billion won in 2017 of my inauguration. Last year, we finally reached a net profit of 170 million won. I think it was because there were no strikes or disputes during his tenure, and all employees were able to focus on medical treatment thanks to the trust of Daegu citizens. But I'm deeply worried because the financial losses followed by COVID-19 are reaching tens of billions of won.
- There are barely any new COVID-19 confirmed cases in Daegu right now, probably thanks to the struggles medical staff went through. A word about this, please.
COVID-19 is still in progress. Personal hygiene regulations and quarantine guidelines should be followed. Please keep in mind that the health of medical staff should be protected in the first place for them to take the responsibility and mission of protecting the lives and health of the people. So, when we are free from this disaster, let us proudly boast to our parents, siblings, and children that the whole nation did everything they could.
