As the COVID-19 infection cases continue to rise, field hospitals have been established for asymptomatic COVID cases and those with mild symptoms. However, most, if not all, of these field hospitals cannot accommodate patients with disabilities. With the cooperation of Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute (SNMRI) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, NSTDA has turned Sirindhorn Science Home to a field hospital to treat COVID-19 patients with disabilities aged between 15 and 65.
Located at the Thailand Science Park, Sirindhorn Science Home was designed to serve as a permanent science camp, fully equipped with facilities for training workshop and exhibition, including houses for visiting professors, student dormitory, exhibition hall, lecture and workshop rooms and basketball court and swimming pool.
Scheduled to open on 1 June 2021, the Sirindhorn Science Home Field Hospital for Disabled Persons will occupy the dorm rooms located on the 5th to the 10th floor of the building with a total of 224 beds. 11 assistive technologies and innovations developed by NSTDA and its partners will used in the hospital. These include mobile robot for transport and delivery of material, UV sterilization robot, Thai Telecommunication Relay Service (TTRS) supporting people with hearing impairment and negative pressure isolation and transport chamber. SNMRI will provide medical staff to treat patients and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will provide social workers to assist patients and their families on social issues.
On 26 May, NSTDA welcomed a visit of Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, MHESI Minister Anek Laothamatas, Deputy Minister of Public Health Satit Pitutecha and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Patcharee Arayakul to inspect the facility, meet with team preparing for the field hospital operation and view COVID-19 response innovations on display.
