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).
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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.
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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.
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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":
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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.
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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!