The Fourth People's Hospital of Taiyuan, a designated hospital for COVID-19 pandemic treatment in Taiyuan city and North China's Shanxi province, has become a major battlefield in the province's fight against the ongoing disease outbreak.

The hospital has formulated targeted and individualized diagnosis and treatment plans for each confirmed patient, strengthened joint medical diagnosis, guidance and treatment by an expert team and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine throughout the treatment process, contributing Shanxi's experience to national pandemic prevention and control efforts.

Four medical experts selected by the Health Commission of Shanxi Province have been involved in treating patients at the hospital, said Shi Liang, director of the hospital's emergency ward.

Wang Quanhong, director of the hospital's medical affairs department, introduced that the four experts have rich clinical work experience in respiratory and critical care medicine, mental hygiene, cardiology and traditional Chinese medicine. 

The hospital currently has an expert group of 20 members who conduct medical consultations and treatment on-site and through online video. It has also established five medical care teams, including two for critically ill patients, Wang added. 

To improve epidemiological investigation, medical isolation, testing, treatment and security, as well as emergency response, the Fourth People's Hospital of Taiyuan has adopted closed-loop management. It has also put forward requirements for preventing and controlling nosocomial infection and strictly implemented mechanisms for outpatient pre-inspection and triage, accompanying staff management and visitations.

Meanwhile, nucleic acid testing for staff members, patients and caregivers has been strictly implemented, and all staff members of the hospital, including doctors, nurses and cleaners, have been receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

There are presently 11 confirmed cases, of which seven are in stable condition and four have mild symptoms, and three imported asymptomatic patients hospitalized in the hospital.