How did Sabah Health justify QEH ETD crowding despite triage?

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Sabah Health Department Clarifies Queen Elizabeth Hospital ETD Operations Amidst Viral Concerns

The Sabah Health Department has explained that patient treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital's (QEH) Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD) strictly adheres to a triage system, prioritizing cases based on medical severity rather than solely on queue numbers. This clarification comes in response to a viral social media post that depicted overcrowding and long waiting times at the ETD.
Triage System Prioritises Critical Cases

The department emphasised that patients are assessed and treated according to the urgency of their condition, a standard practice within the triage system. This means that individuals with more severe medical needs receive immediate attention, irrespective of their position in the general queue. On the night in question, the ETD operated as usual, managing a continuous flow of patients, with the Green Zone alone recording 42 patients between 9pm and 10am, attended to by two medical officers for non-critical cases.
Visitors and Caregivers Occupy Public Areas

Regarding the presence of individuals seen resting or sleeping in the hospital lobby and corridors, the Health Department clarified that these were primarily family members or caregivers accompanying patients. Many of these individuals faced difficulties finding affordable temporary accommodation outside the hospital, as the existing visitors' hostel at QEH is insufficient to meet the demand from the large number of relatives.
Canteen Operating Hours and Parking Challenges

The hospital's canteen generally operates on a 24-hour basis, with a brief, scheduled closure only occurring on Saturdays from midnight to 5am for cleaning purposes. The department also acknowledged that limited parking availability at QEH is a long-standing and persistent issue that the hospital continues to manage within its existing infrastructure limitations.
Planned Improvements in Communication and Monitoring

In response to the concerns raised, QEH plans to enhance its nighttime monitoring of the lobby, public corridors, and waiting areas. Additionally, the hospital intends to review its communication regarding canteen operating hours and improve how it informs patients and their families about waiting procedures and the prioritization of treatment at the ETD.

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How did Sabah Health justify QEH ETD crowding despite triage?

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