Latest data reveal that the average age of people affected by Covid-19 is decreasing in Italy. Those currently more likely to be affected are the young, teens and children. At the moment, cases of children aged between 3 and 5 are reported to be on the rise. Therefore, being prepared and organized is crucial to deal with new and potential cases, especially in hospitals. For that reason, a new triage system for pediatric emergency care was inaugurated last Friday at Spedali Civili di Brescia hospital. Doctors with Africa CUAMM, supported by UsAid, made it possible, through the IRC19 project (Italian Response to Covid-19. Improving governance and community preparedness for a resiliant society), to set new best practices aiming at managing patient flow, either in case of covid and not, improving the security of both patients and health workers.
A well-indicated pathway for a safe and efficient admission in the facility was introduced either at the hospital main entrance and at the pediatric emergency care; portable partitions were installed to create a safe pedestrian aisle in the ER. Moreover, a safe outdoor pedestrian pathway and a portable fence made of poles and chains were also provided and restoration finishes in the ER were completed.
«Today is an important day for us- says Andrea Atzori, head of International Relations at Doctors with Africa Cuamm -: thanks to the support received by UsAid we reorganized the pediatric ER at Spedali civili di Brescia hospital where we created a triage area to divide patients affected by Covid from those who are not tested positive. This is one of the twenty interventions realized all around Italy and in several health facilities in order to empower the national health system in response to Covid-19. During the pandemic, finding solutions and new best practices is paramount to make a difference in the care and management of patients. This is what we have learnt in the last year and a half and we will treasure it in the future».
