Leptospirosis Cases Surge at CLMMRH Amid ER Renovation in Bacolod City

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City has reported an increase in referrals for leptospirosis, including moderate to severe cases, particularly from southern Negros Occidental. Hospital officials issued an advisory on November 22, 2025, confirming a rise in the number of leptospirosis admissions. As of that date, eight patients have been admitted, a notable increase compared to the usual 0 to 2 cases per month.

Hospital management emphasized that priority will be given to patients with severe leptospirosis. To address the surge, CLMMRH is setting up specialized wards for both adult and pediatric patients to provide appropriate, safe, and timely treatment. Referring medical facilities are urged to coordinate closely with the hospital's Operations Center (Open) and adhere to proper patient transfer and coordination procedures.

As the designated Apex Hospital for the Negros Island Region, CLMMRH reaffirmed its commitment to delivering compassionate and high-quality healthcare, especially during periods of increased patient load. "We request the continued understanding and cooperation of referring facilities and the public as we manage bed capacity and ensure timely care for all affected patients," said hospital management.

Since September 2025, the hospital has temporarily closed its emergency room to undergo a P92-million renovation scheduled to last three months. During this period, a temporary emergency room with approximately 18 beds has been established in the outpatient department waiting area. Additionally, four to five holding areas with a combined capacity of 45 to 50 beds have been arranged within the Mother and Child Building.

Dr. Joan Cerrada, CLMMRH chief, explained that patient triage follows the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), with priority given to categories I-II and trauma cases. Patients with less urgent conditions may be referred to partner hospitals based on bed availability. Walk-in patients are triaged in the temporary ER; critical cases are admitted immediately if beds are available, while stable patients may be redirected to private hospitals when capacity is exceeded.

Referrals from community health centers, private hospitals, and emergency medical services are managed through the hospital's Operations Center, utilizing the Integrated Hospital Operations Monitoring System (IHOMS) and the Emergency Room Consortium Monitoring System. These systems help match patients with available beds at either CLMMRH or affiliated private hospitals.

Dr. Cerrada noted that patients initially stabilized at private hospitals may be transferred for admission to CLMMRH as beds become accessible. Overall admission decisions depend on triage priority and bed availability in the ER or holding areas.