Hospitals rise to challenge of respiratory illnesses

The two best-known public pediatric hospitals in the Chinese capital — Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University and the Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics — have reported a daily volume of 7,000 to 9,000 visits this month, which they said neared or exceeded their full capacity, Beijing Radio and Television Station reported.

Xu Xiaojing, a pediatrician at China-Japan Friendship Hospital, said that last week she received nearly 160 patients during a night shift that lasted from 6 pm to 8 am.

"There were simply so many kids waiting outside. I only drank water twice and went to the toilet twice throughout the shift, and felt on the verge of collapse near the end," she said.

"But as we can take one or two days off after a night shift, at least I get some rest afterward."

Fan Hua, head nurse at the hospital's pediatric clinic, said Xu is part of a special task force set up to deal with the rising number of young patients.

"Under the current circumstances, we are exhausting all means to add personnel, such as arranging for doctors in charge of wards to handle outpatient visits, and encouraging senior or retired specialists to handle as many extra appointments as possible," she said.

Despite the long lines and crowding, the families of many young patients insist on heading to pediatric centers, as smaller clinics are not licensed to administer more complicated therapies.