Severance Hospital Reactivates COVID-19 Home Treatment Center

As of 9 AM that day, 189 patients admitted

Jung Won-seok, General Director (left), is checking the situation of the Yonsei University dormitory living treatment center through the CCTV monitor. (Photo by Severance Hospital)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Yonsei University Severance Hospital announced on the 22nd that it has resumed operating a residential treatment center at Yonsei University dormitory Ujeongwon starting from the 16th, in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases.

The Yonsei University dormitory residential treatment center, which can accommodate 276 patients, is led by Director Jeong Won-seok of Yonsei Thoracic Surgery Clinic, a Yonsei University College of Medicine graduate, who serves as the general director. The medical staff caring for patients includes Director Jeong, one military medical officer, and a total of four medical personnel, along with 10 privately recruited nurses. Severance Hospital radiologists and administrative staff also reside on-site to support the medical team.

As of 9 a.m. on the 22nd, 189 patients are admitted to the Yonsei University dormitory residential treatment center. Most patients are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Since the 16th, four patients have been discharged.

Medical care is conducted remotely using smartphones. If a patient's condition worsens, medical staff are immediately deployed to the patient area to provide direct examination and treatment. If hospital transfer is necessary due to symptom aggravation, patients are transferred to hospitals specializing in COVID-19 treatment. As of 9 a.m. on the 22nd, three patients have been transferred.

Severance Hospital Director Ha Jong-won stated, "There are many COVID-19 confirmed patients in family units," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that not only parents but also children receive treatment without anxiety and safely return to their homes, schools, and society."

Meanwhile, Severance Hospital supported the operation of the largest domestic mild patient isolation facility, the residential treatment center in Boeun-gun, Chungbuk, for about 20 days from March 13 to April 9 last year. Additionally, from January 7 to 31 this year, the hospital cared for a total of 82 patients at the Yonsei University dormitory residential treatment center.