Two devices for high flow oxygen therapy (HFT) were presented to the University Hospital Centre in Split on Tuesday. The appliances, worth 93,000 kuna (€12,300), were donated by Split-Dalmatia County.

High flow oxygen therapy is commonly used on patients with acute respiratory failure (i.e. hypoxemic respiratory failure) in the hospital system and this can help them to avoid more difficult treatment by ventilators. Patients say it is very comfortable and allows them to communicate.

During the ceremony, the hospital’s head, Julije Mestrovic, said that this health institution cared for all patients in need of hospital treatment in the area, urging local residents to adhere to epidemic restrictions.

Mestrovic said that that occupancy rate was currently at 70%, they had enough beds, but had to redistribute the staff.

County Prefect Blazenko Boban said that until the end of this year the county authorities would provide two more HFT devices.

In the last 24 hours, 290 new coronavirus infections have been detected in the county, and three elderly persons have died from complications caused by Covid-19.

Currently, 157 Covid patients are receiving treatment in the Split hospital and 14 of them are placed on ventilators.