'White-coated warriors' for public health

During the recent historic floods, when many areas of Thai Nguyen province were submerged, Thai Nguyen Central Hospital remained brightly lit day and night. Here, doctors and nurses steadfastly stayed put, ensuring uninterrupted medical care and life-saving efforts, with the spirit of "The hospital is a fortress protecting the health and lives of patients."

Leaders and doctors from Thai Nguyen Central Hospital visited and presented gifts to patients receiving treatment in the Intensive Care and Toxicology Unit during the recent floods.

Injuries and illnesses increase during floods.

According to a preliminary report from Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, during the recent heavy rains and floods, the Emergency Department received 415 patients, with 160 cases of injuries and accidents being the highest proportion.

Many cases involve slips and falls, roof collapses, collisions with hard or floating objects, leading to broken bones, concussions, and internal organ damage. Doctors note that the risk of mechanical injury is significantly increased among people participating in rescue and property relocation in deeply flooded, slippery environments, lacking protective equipment.

Along with that, gastrointestinal diseases also increased, with 100 hospitalizations. Post-flood water sources were contaminated, containing many bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Leptospira, which were the main causes of diarrhea and acute enteritis. The humid weather, coupled with interrupted treatment, caused many people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to be readmitted to the hospital due to relapses and loss of control.

According to doctors, many people had to brave the floods and hire boats to get to the hospital for dialysis or follow-up appointments, because even a delay of a few hours could be life-threatening.

Mr. NTV (from Quan Trieu ward) recalled his journey through the vast expanse of water: "On the day of my scheduled dialysis session, the water hadn't receded yet, so I had to hire a boat to get to the hospital. I couldn't miss it; missing even one session would be life-threatening."

At the Orthopedic Trauma Department, Mr. NVC (from Phan Dinh Phung ward) was still in shock: "The water rose so quickly, I was moving my things to the second floor when I slipped and fell. My neighbors had to break down the door and use a ladder to rescue me."

Doctors from the Orthopedics Department (Thai Nguyen Central Hospital) re-examine the patient after surgery.

According to Dr. Trieu Quoc Trang, Deputy Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Department, the patient was admitted with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the left foot, with a deep wound measuring 4-5cm. Doctors performed surgery, sutured the wound, and provided continuous care; the patient's health is now stable, but they remain traumatized by the devastating flood.

Straining to keep the patient alive.

At the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department, during the peak of the rainy season and floods, the department received and treated 40 patients suffering from secondary wound infections, cellulitis, and sepsis. Some cases involved prolonged immersion in water leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and general weakness. With power outages, disrupted communication, and many roads cut off, the hospital became an isolated "island" amidst the floodwaters.

Many patients who are eligible for discharge are unable to be picked up by their families, causing the number of treatment beds to exceed capacity. In emergency cases, doctors have to make the decision to perform emergency surgery on their own when they cannot contact relatives. "In such situations, responsibility and medical ethics must come first," one doctor shared.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc, Deputy Head of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department, emotionally recounted the case of a patient with hypertension (born in 1961, Linh Son ward) who suffered severe septic shock and multiple organ failure after days of post-flood cleanup: “We applied continuous hemodialysis techniques, combined with intensive care and comprehensive treatment, with only one hope: to save the patient's life,” shared Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc.

Doctors in the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department are treating patients with severe septic shock and multiple organ failure who spent many days cleaning up after the flood.

During those days, many medical staff whose homes were flooded still stayed at the hospital, working 24/7. They were both doctors and operators, cleaning, disinfecting, and ensuring the safety of the treatment area. Some departments even organized "makeshift kitchens," sharing hot meals with patients and their relatives. Despite the exhaustion, everyone encouraged each other: "As long as there are patients, we must keep trying."

As the floodwaters began to recede, the hospital immediately increased the number of examination rooms and reorganized the reception process to ensure that people could be examined quickly and avoid congestion. Dr. Nguyen Thu Huong, Head of the Outpatient Department, said: "Those who lost their documents or health insurance cards received maximum support; they only needed to provide information and make a temporary deposit, which would be refunded after the procedures were completed."

United in preserving the "fortress of health".

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Cong Hoang, Member of the 15th National Assembly, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, stated: The remnants of Typhoon No. 11 caused flooding, power outages, water shortages, and communication disruptions, but with the timely support of the Ministry of Health and the solidarity and proactive spirit of all staff, the hospital still maintained medical examination and treatment for more than 2,000 inpatients.

Thai Nguyen Central Hospital ensures community healthcare services are provided following the recent floods.

When clean water became scarce, the hospital proactively requested assistance from the Fire and Rescue Police (Thai Nguyen Provincial Police) and Hanoi to transport water, ensuring continuous operation. At the same time, thousands of free meals and essential supplies were prepared for patients, their relatives, and the medical staff on duty around the clock.

In addition, disinfection, environmental sanitation, and medical waste disposal have been strictly strengthened to prevent the risk of infection after the floods. Hands that were once accustomed to syringes and scalpels now hold tools to clean up puddles and wipe down patient rooms. This dedication and responsibility have contributed to keeping the "health fortress" operating safely and steadily amidst the rain and floods.

In particular, immediately after the floodwaters receded, starting on October 12th, the hospital organized free tetanus vaccinations for people throughout the province. By October 15th, nearly 3,000 safe injections had been administered, receiving high praise from the public. This was not only a routine medical activity but also a symbol of humanity and responsibility for public health during this difficult time.

The natural disaster has passed, but the spirit of dedication to the people's lives shown by the doctors remains, a vivid testament to the courage, humanity, and medical ethics of the "white-coated soldiers" of Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, who silently upheld the "fortress of health" amidst the flood, ensuring that the light of compassion never goes out.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/y-te/202510/chien-si-ao-trang-vi-suc-khoe-cong-dong-6dd133e/