The Lunar New Year is traditionally the most cherished time for family reunions. In 2026, we welcome a 9-day consecutive holiday (February 14 to February 22). According to data analysis from the past three years, the Lunar New Year period is often the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases (Influenza, COVID-19). Coupled with the closure of primary care clinics, a surge of patients with mild symptoms often floods the emergency rooms of medical centers. This not only causes congestion but may also crowd out the "golden hour" for rescuing patients with truly critical conditions.

Past experience tells us that the holiday season is synonymous with peaks in flu and epidemic activity. We deeply empathize with the anxiety of elders and children waiting in the emergency room. Therefore, this year, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) is not just "ready"; we aim to weave the most comprehensive medical safety net for New Taipei City citizens through "diversion" and "protection." As the core medical center of New Taipei City, FEMH is moving beyond "passive reception" to "proactive deployment." In alignment with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's policies, we are integrating community medical resources and optimizing internal workflows to activate a "Three-Layer Protection Net," ensuring everyone can enjoy a peaceful holiday.

First Layer of Protection: Big Data Early Warning & Community Diversion (UCC)

Analyzing our hospital's emergency data from the Spring Festivals of 2023-2025, the peak for visits—predominantly internal medicine cases—occurs from the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year. To prevent ER paralysis, we are vigorously promoting "Mild/Urgent Case Diversion" this year.

If you or your family members experience mild symptoms such as fever, common cold, or gastroenteritis (Triage Levels 3-5), please do not rush to a large hospital's ER. We have partnered with our good neighbor, Enhua Hospital, to open a "Holiday Urgent Care Center (UCC)." As the backup hospital for Enhua, FEMH assists in handling relevant referral cases. We have established a "Green Channel" referral mechanism for patients with Triage Level 3-5 conditions (fever, cold, gastroenteritis, minor trauma).

‧ Seamless Transfer: After triage assessment, if a patient is suitable for referral, Enhua Hospital will assist with the transfer. Relevant teams will conduct direct handovers to ensure no information is lost.

‧ Economic Benefits: Visiting the UCC not only significantly shortens waiting times but also incurs registration fees and co-payments far lower than those of a medical center ER. This truly implements the concept of "General clinics for minor illnesses, major hospitals for serious ones."

Second Layer of Protection: Internal Workflow Optimization & Flu-like Clinics

To cope with the wave of returning residents towards the end of the holiday, we plan to activate internal "Mild Symptom & Flu-like Clinics" from the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year. Key features include:

‧ Strategic Location: The clinic will be situated in the ER Observation Area (Clinic M33). We utilize independent flow paths to physically segregate contagious respiratory patients from general trauma patients, preventing cross-infection within the hospital.

‧ Expanded Service Scope: In addition to the usual flu-like cases, we recognize that many mild cases—such as gastrointestinal discomfort or mild soft tissue infections—flow into the ER due to the lack of open clinics during the holidays. Therefore, this year we are expanding our scope to include these mild cases, not just flu-like symptoms.

‧ Dynamic Activation: Based on projections of past patient peaks, volume tends to rise after 10:00 AM and can peak again during the evening shift. Therefore, this year's clinic hours will be adjusted to assist in effective ER diversion during these critical times.

Third Layer of Protection: Flexible Bed Management & Critical Care Capacity

Addressing ER stagnation and inpatient needs, we have formulated a rigorous "Dynamic Bed Management Plan":

‧ Unified Hospital: Breaking down departmental barriers, when the number of patients waiting for beds in the ER exceeds 60, a cross-specialty admission mechanism is formally activated. Internal and Surgical wards may mix admissions when necessary. Furthermore, we will prioritize releasing differential-cost beds for use as standard insurance beds, ensuring critical patients can be admitted for treatment as quickly as possible.

‧ Data Monitoring: Our Command Center will monitor waiting list data daily (>40 Warning, >50 Preparation, >60 Activation) to ensure medical capacity does not collapse.

Warm Support: Substantial Rewards for the Frontline

High-quality medical care comes from a high-morale team. In addition to the National Health Insurance premium incentives provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (100% markup on consultation fees for outpatient, ER, and inpatient care from Day 1 to Day 3), the hospital is providing additional Spring Festival Duty Allowances. This covers physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and medical personnel, with the allowance increased to the maximum rate from New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year.

We deeply understand that every shift worked is a commitment to life. We thank all colleagues who sacrifice their holidays to stand fast at their posts.

Conclusion

Facing the challenges of the 2026 Lunar New Year, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital is ready. Through the three major strategies of "External UCC Diversion, Internal Zonal Separation, and Dynamic Bed Management," we are confident in maintaining high-quality medical services throughout the long holiday.

We wish you and your family good health and a prosperous New Year!