Slovak health ministry introduces points system for ventilation access

When hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients, it will be up to the scoring system to decide who gets the intensive care unit or artificial lung ventilation, the health ministry has announced.

In recent weeks, many doctors have been talking about how hospitals can no longer guarantee beds with ventilators, and they will have to select patients who have a better chance of surviving.

Last week, hospitals received technical guidance on proceeding in these situations. In case of a lack of beds, they should use a scoring system. Patients with a better chance of survival will get priority.

The ministry of health claims that the scoring system was issued for the legal protection of doctors. According to the ministry, “it does not mean, it will be used”. The final decision will still be with doctors. The guideline is valid only during a national state of emergency and its activation is conditioned by the exhaustion of capacities.

(Michal Hudec | EURACTIV.sk)