The field hospital in Lautoka with the capacity of 150 beds will be operational from today.

The hospital which will cater for inpatients, is a non-COVID hospital.

It is understood that the hospital would be in operation for 21 days awaiting the end of the lockdown period of the Lautoka Hospital.

The Acting Superintendent at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, Dr Luke Nasedra said the hospital was intended to be in operation from yesterday.

“It was supposed to be in operation from today (yesterday) but there is a bit of delay in some of the logistics and so I think it will be operational proper from tomorrow (today), by midday it should be operational,” he said.

“This hospital will be catering for 150 beds.

“This is a non-COVID hospital so we will be doing all we can to make sure no COVID patients get into this field hospital.”

The Divisional Engineer Western, Tiko Vakatale, Commissioner Western, Mesake Ledua and Selenai Raumakita at the field hospital in Lautoka on May 7, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

He said the field hospital was setup with assistance by personnel from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), the Fiji Police Force, Fiji’s Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) and supported by Commissioner Western, Mesake Ledua and the Divisional Engineer Western, Tiko Vakatale.

Personnel from the RFMF, the Fiji Police Force and FEMAT work tirelessly to get the field hospital ready for operation today. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

Dr Nasedra said while the idea for attending to outpatients was still in the plan, Lautoka residents could visit the Punjas Medical Health Centre, and the Natabua Health Centre as the Kamikami Health Centre remains closed.

“We will also set up an outpatient facility but its main purpose is for the inpatients and emergency services,” he added.

He said the maternity services would be handled at the MV Veivueti, a medical boat based at the Lautoka Wharf.

And MV Veivueti is operational this avo in Lautoka #TogetherWeWill pic.twitter.com/wafaTKxeyU

— Dr I Waqainabete (@Nadokoulu) May 7, 2021

Mr Ledua said together with his team, he was ready to give in his full support towards the field hospital.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj