Apr 15, 2020
Chinese Hospital, in collaboration with Assemblymember David Chiu and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announces an increase in its bed capacity to combat COVID-19 pandemic.
“Chinese Hospital, a non-profit community hospital and the only one in the United States, is on the frontlines of this battle to save lives. Due to the dire and still unforeseen consequences of this national public health emergency, we are taking proactive steps to mobilize limited resources to protect our most vulnerable and diverse communities. With the assistance of Assemblymember Chiu and CDPH, we have received state approvals to license an additional 23 Acute Care Beds. These beds are located in the state-of-the-art New Patient Tower, completed in 2016, on the second floor of Chinese Hospital. Additionally, to treat more patients experiencing healthcare emergencies faster, Chinese Hospital has received a change in its status from Standby Emergency Medical Service to Basic Emergency Medical Service,” stated Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO, Chinese Hospital.
Assemblymember David Chiu, who represents Chinese Hospital’s main campus, was instrumental in expediting the state’s recent licensing approvals: “For over a century, Chinese Hospital has provided critical care to save the lives of many generations of San Franciscans and Californians. I’m thrilled that Chinese Hospital has received the necessary approvals to expand its care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thank the hospital’s leadership, state and local health officials for their partnership.”
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), working closely with its hospital partners, including Chinese Hospital, has orchestrated the citywide response to mitigate the dramatic impact of COVID-19. “Chinese Hospital has collaborated closely with SFDPH and our other partners to increase bed capacity, enhance preparedness, and focus limited resources on the COVID-19 patients who need it most. Chinese Hospital is there when we need them most,” stated Greg Wagner, Chief Financial Officer of SFDPH.
The preparation for the anticipated increase in patients and services, is very costly. Chinese Hospital has hired additional nurses and other healthcare staff. With community support, the Hospital’s medical infrastructure has been expanded and improved. “The entire community is now engaged in fundraising efforts to ensure a fully operational community hospital to meet the needs of all San Franciscans,” stated Kitman Chan, Trustee, Chinese Hospital and Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
“I want to thank our dedicated and courageous providers and staff, management team, community partners, donors, and elected officials for their sacrifices and around-the-clock efforts to fight and contain COVID-19. Working together, I am confident we will get through this crisis,” said Dr. Zhang.
For more information on how to donate necessary funds or supplies, please call 1-415-677-2470 or visit
www.chinesehospital-sf.org/covid19-fund
