New measures to deal with influx of patients

THE South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), has introduced several new measures to meet the increased influx of patients seeking medical attention for a viral infection that closely mirrors the dreaded Dengue haemorrhagic fever at the San Fernando General Hospital.

SWRHA Acting CEO, Michael Harris, said the measures which were arrived at following a marathon meeting between senior members of the Hospital’s medical staff, including Medical Chief of Staff, Dr Austin Trinidade, and Authority officials on Friday morning, were to be implemented immediately. He said the measures included improved patient management care at the Hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) department where patients would be screened quickly to determine whether to ward the patient or send them home with treatment. Another measure, called for increased pharmacy hours over the weekend and an increase in “doctors’ rounds” on the wards to assist in the speedy discharge of patients. “This measure would ease the congestion on the wards,” Harris said.

He added that laboratory hours would also be increased to expedite blood sample results. And while Harris said that there were no reported cases of Dengue at the Hospital, he pointed out that since the beginning of the rainy season, the Institution had seen an increase of patients seeking attention for viral infections. He stated that Thursday’s abnormal influx of new patients from all over the Southland was the main reason for the Hospital implementing an advisory bulletin for persons suffering from the viral infection, the symptoms of which are similar to Dengue. Harris pointed out that operations at the Hospital should be returned to a state of “normalcy” by early next week. An advisory bulletin issued by the SWRHA informed members of the public to: “Get lots of bed rest, drink lots of fluids (water or fruit juice), take Panadol or Tylenol (not aspirin or Motrin).” The bulletin further advises the public to go to the hospitals or district health facilities or to contact EHS if they observe any of the following symptoms: blood in the urine, nose bleeds or bleeding gums. Harris reiterated that the Authority is advising patients seeking medical attention, should visit the primary health care facilities within their district first, before seeking care at the SFGH.