The Children’s General Outpatients Department at the CWM Hospital has been closed from yesterday to be temporarily utilised as an admission ward to accommodate for the recent increase in the admission of urgent cases of dengue, viral illnesses, and acute febrile illness cases.

The Health Ministry says existing patients who were recovering in the department have been moved to the temporary ward for observation, opening the other three children’s wards for increased admissions of more immediately serious cases.

This reallocation of space is part of the Hospital’s surge capacity planning strategy, which is instituted when necessary to ensure minimum disruption in services.

There is also a plan for those who need pediatric outpatient services.

The Health Ministry says those who are in need of pediatric services are encouraged to visit their nearest health centres, and emergency cases will be referred to the CWM Hospital’s emergency department.

The Pediatric Special Outpatients Department clinics at the CWM Hospital will now be accommodated at the Pediatric seminar room on the second floor as a temporary measure.

All operations will return to normal at a time deemed appropriate by the hospital.