To address the perennial issue of emergency room (ER) congestion during the Lunar New Year, Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) has implemented a "Shared Bed" (公床) policy. TVGH Superintendent Dr. Chen Wei-ming expressed confidence that the hospital is fully prepared for the upcoming 9-day holiday.

Operational Highlights:

• Cross-Specialty Flexibility: The "Shared Bed" system allows departments with high clinical similarity to share ward space. For example, if orthopedics is full, patients may be admitted to neurosurgery wards to ensure they do not remain stuck in the ER.
• Government Incentives: The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has allocated NT$1.6 billion to subsidize medical staff bonuses (up to 100% increases for diagnosis and nursing fees) during the peak holiday period (Lunar New Year's Eve to the 3rd day of the New Year).
• Quality Control: Dr. Chen noted that ER stay rates (patients waiting >48 hours) remain well below threshold levels, and the hospital’s ER is equipped with over 10 ICU beds to manage critical patients if upstairs units are at capacity.

Resource: 防春節急診壅塞...北榮推「公床」新制 院長陳威明：9天假期不是問題