Prague has purchased ventilators. It has donated them to Na Františku Hospital
20.8.2020
The City of Prague has purchased three ventilators with a total value of over one million crowns. It has loaned them to Na Františku Hospital, which will use the devices to care for patients in serious condition.
This spring, during the state of emergency, Na Františku Hospital responded very quickly to a call from the Ministry of Health and set up an infectious disease ward for patients who had contracted COVID-19. The ward primarily served residents of Prague nursing homes.
“I greatly appreciate that Na Františku Hospital did not hesitate to set up a ward with beds for coronavirus patients, which is why we, on behalf of the city, decided to lend the ventilators to this hospital. I am certain that the ventilators will be put to good use here when needed and will serve the most vulnerable patients well—patients who are traditionally cared for here with great sensitivity and dedication,” says Milena Johnová, Prague City Councilor for Social Affairs and Health.
The small Na Františku Hospital is indispensable in many ways. Thanks to its strategic location and the willingness of its current management, it is a very important partner for the Prague Emergency Medical Service. It also collaborates with other healthcare services established by the city or city districts, traditionally most notably with the Prague 7 Polyclinic.
“We consider Na Františku Hospital to be a key partner within the metropolitan healthcare network, including in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why, in addition to personal protective equipment and disinfectants, we have provided the hospital with three ventilators for use,” explains Martin Ježek, Director of the Health Department at the Prague City Hall.
The specialized infectious disease ward, which operated during the most critical days of the pandemic, had its own entrance and staff to ensure the safe operation of the entire hospital. However, since no patients were admitted to the ward, it was decommissioned. The hospital is, however, able to reactivate it within 24 hours.
“The hospital’s mission statement calls for closer cooperation with the Prague Emergency Medical Service, which is why we are also reopening the Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Department. It is precisely here, in the care of patients in critical condition, that we will use the ventilators. We greatly appreciate the assistance from the Prague City Hall and see it as a sign of trust in our medical facility’s ability to care for Prague’s residents and visitors,” adds David Erhart, Director of Na Františku Hospital.
Source: Prague City Hall
