With the easing of the COVID-19 outbreak and a steady decline in numbers of patients, the “Light of Heart” Field Hospital will close on 31 October 2021.
“Light of Heart” Field Hospital opened on 9 August 2021. The hospital has 450 beds as well as emergency rooms, including 76 beds with high-flow oxygen for “red” and “yellow” patients. During its 90 days of operation, the hospital will complete 10,595 patient days. All patients have received treatment until they have recovered and can return to their normal lives. The hospital will be demolished, ending its mission, on 8 November and the area will be restored.
“Light of Heart” Field Hospital incorporates the "Sharing Happiness" project that helps restaurants hit by the lockdown. These outlets have provided meals to patients and communities in need. Two thousand small restaurants registered with the initiative. With the gradual economic recovery, some left the scheme, so that 1,116 eateries took part, preparing 409,020 takeaway meals for affected communities over 112 days.
The field hospital has been supported throughout its operation by a team of doctors, nurses, and medical personnel from Pitsanuvej Phitsanulok Hospital, Pitsanuvej Uttaradit Hospital, and Pitsanuvej Phichit Hospital in the Principal Group. The hundreds of healthcare workers included over 50 volunteers.
As the pandemic eased, the team of doctors and staff also carried out proactive testing to give care and advice to people in nearby areas, including Bangna, Suan Luang, Phra Khanong, Wattana, extending to Bang Phli, Bang Bo, Bang Sao Thong, and Mueang Samut Prakan.
Dr. Athiwat Noiprasit, Chief Performance Coach, Risk and Quality Officer of Principal Healthcare and Director of Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi, as the Director of “Light of Heart” Field Hospital, said: “Over the course of three months, the mission has been challenging. But in the end, it was a very successful operation. After the closure of the field hospital the remaining 30 patients will be sent to Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi in the Principal Group for further healthcare. Even though ‘Light of Heart’ field hospital will be closed, the COVID-19 outbreak continues, so everyone should continue to strictly adhere to public health measures.”
Mr. Visit Malaisirirat, CEO of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), a founding organisation of "Light of Heart” field hospital, said: “The COVID-19 crisis clearly proved that in a crisis, Thais will work together and assist each other, helping their fellows overcome the crisis. Although the field hospital’s mission is over, we are still committed to helping and supporting society in other areas.”
"Light of Heart" Field Hospital was born from the idea of sparking hope for Thailand to get through this crisis together. It is a collaboration by seven founding partners: Principal Healthcare Hospitals, MQDC, EEC Engineering Network, T&B Media Global, Dhanin Tawee Chearavanont Foundation, Ahriyavraromp Foundation, Buddharaksa Foundation. Other partners have also provided funds, items, and food throughout the hospital’s operation.
