Separate entry for critical patients also planned
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, July 11: In order to ensure optimal emergency services and provide a seamless experience for patients, the authorities at SKIMS, Soura, have designed a plan that includes immediate actions, short-term fixes and long-term strategies.
Under the plan, several areas have been identified where necessary steps need to be taken, particularly the setting up of a separate biochemistry lab in the emergency section to make services swift, with a primary focus on enhancing patient care efficiency.
According to the plan, there will be a separate entry for critically ill patients arriving in ambulances who require immediate medical attention. Additionally, a dedicated Triage Center will be established for urgent medical cases.
In the Triage Center, officials said, senior residents will assess patients upon arrival to determine the most appropriate treatment path, aiding in streamlining the services.
Under the plan, the major focus has been on streamlining testing, for which a separate biochemistry lab within the emergency area will be set up to expedite baseline tests, reducing the need for patients to visit the main lab.
Officials stressed that moving the lab within the Emergency Department will expedite diagnostics and streamline patient management to a great extent.
It is important to note that the emergency section of SKIMS receives over 800 patients per day and to ensure optimal functioning, a plan aimed at increasing efficiency was long overdue.
Also, in recent years, people have been complaining about the deteriorating quality of emergency services at SKIMS, making the optimization of the services by the authorities necessary.
On the other hand, to ensure the implementation of the measures outlined in the plan, continuous monitoring will be carried out by an expert committee tasked with closely overseeing the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures, ensuring the seamless delivery of emergency medical services.
Additionally, the authorities at SKIMS will be setting up specialty-wise bays for specific medical needs, which officials said will enhance workflow efficiency without compromising bed capacity.
The premier healthcare institute of J&K will also focus on enhancing the patient environment, making efforts to create a more conducive atmosphere for patient care.
It is pertinent to mention that the action plan was discussed during a recently held ‘Grand Round’ attended by all stakeholders, including Director SKIMS, Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie-who, soon after assuming the charge, stated that during his first 100 days in office, the focus will be on prioritizing patient care efficiency-and Dr. Shariq Masoodi, Dean of the Medical Faculty, SKIMS.
The plan further proposes the procurement of advanced equipment to support improved patient care and boost staff levels to ensure that the hospital effectively meets growing healthcare demands.
While there is currently enough space available within the emergency department, the plan states that further space expansion is also under consideration to keep up with demands.
Lastly, certain measures will also be taken to regulate the number of attendants in the emergency department, fostering a focused environment for care delivery.
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