Press Release
March 13, 2020
Facts about the COVID-19 Infected Patient undergoing Surgery at Bangkok Hospital
In light of the spreading news on social media and several other media outlets regarding a patient infected with COVID-19 who underwent surgery at Bangkok Hospital and afterwards the attending physician went back to work as usual without quarantining for 14 days, we wish to clarify that such information is inaccurate.
The patient in question suffered an accident and urgently needed surgery. Bangkok Hospital conducted two COVID-19 screenings before the surgery, both of which returned negative. Even though the patient tested negative and showed no physical symptoms implying infection with COVID-19, given that the patient was considered to come from a high-risk country, all related medical staff, nurses, and personnel strictly followed the Ministry of Public Health’s disease control guidelines. This included isolating this particular patient from others and whenever medical staff or professionals came in for examinations or procedures, they were fully equipped with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), following international standards.
After the surgery was successfully completed, the patient came in for a follow-up visit where a COVID-19 test was conducted once more, this time returning a positive result. However, the patient still displayed no symptoms. Consequently, the patient was referred for treatment according to the Ministry of Public Health guidelines.
As for the personnel involved in the patient’s care, Bangkok Hospital conducted an epidemiological investigation. Any staff member found to be at high risk was properly quarantined for 14 days, while those at no risk were allowed to resume work as normal. The attending physician mentioned in the news who has always been fully protected while providing patient care, thereby deemed at no risk of spreading the infection to others, was able to continue working normally.
Bangkok Hospital recognizes and greatly prioritizes the safety of all patients and professional staff. With our standardized and effective disease screening process and risk assessment, individuals seeking medical services can be assured of receiving international standard care and safety from COVID-19 infection.
Sincerely,
Bangkok Hospital
