STAFFORD – Southern Ocean Medical Center reached a welcome milestone recently, by discharging the 100th COVID-19 positive patient on May 4.
Natalie Alexander of Manahawkin had the distinction of being that 100th patient. She left with great fanfare, getting a send-off from hospital staff in the main lobby.
“Every recovering patient who leaves the hospital is truly a cause for celebration,” hospital officials said. “As patients are discharged, team members celebrate the courage, strength and hope of our patients by playing “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, as they return home to their loved ones.”
In related news, Dr. Manuel Bulauitan is one of 400 people who have been treated for COVID-19 and then been discharged from Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“Early in March, my father’s patients had faith that he would show up to work in midst of a pandemic, as all health care providers have been doing,” said his son Constantine Bulauitan, M.D. “But life had other plans, as he became very ill and needed to be hospitalized.”
Manuel was on a ventilator for about 15 days at Jersey Shore, where his son is a trauma surgeon. Once a patient is put on a ventilator, their odds grow dimmer.
“Despite the odds, what comforted me was my trust and confidence in the care my father received. I never expected a miracle. But, I had continued faith in the team of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, medical residents, and support staff, who displayed a strong belief in the doctrines of medicine, unknowingly, the very doctrines my father championed.”
Ultimately, the elder Bulauitan spent four weeks in the hospital. He received the customary “clap out,” being cheered as he leaves. Another touch is that a recording of physician Alan Zaccaria singing “Here Comes The Sun” is played over the speaker system.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center has had about 1,800 patients who tested positive or were under investigation for having the virus. Of these, 400 positive patients have recovered and been discharged.
“Words cannot express how happy I am about my father’s recovery,” said Constantine. “To all who continue to show up, have faith in yourself and your abilities to heal. Have faith in each other. Have faith that we will succeed. Above all, have faith in humanity.”
