SKIMS to implement comprehensive plan to improve emergency care

SRINAGAR — Soon after assuming their positions, Director SKIMS Dr M Ashraf Ganie and Dean of the Medical Faculty SKIMS, Dr Shariq Masoodi have been actively working to streamline and enhance the facilities for patients at the institute. Together with other key members, they have devised a comprehensive plan to address the challenges posed by patient flow and congestion in the emergency area.

An official from SKIMS Soura informed the news agency KNO that the plan includes immediate actions, short-term fixes and long-term strategies.

One of the significant steps is creating a separate entry for critically ill patients arriving in ambulances, ensuring they receive immediate medical attention, they said, adding that a dedicated Triage Center will be established for medical urgency cases, where senior residents will assess patients upon arrival to determine the most appropriate treatment path.

“To expedite diagnostics, a separate biochemistry lab within the emergency area will be set up, which will reduce the need for patients to visit the main lab. This lab relocation within the emergency department aims to streamline patient management,” the official said.

He said the dedicated areas for specific medical needs will be created to enhance workflow efficiency without compromising bed capacity. “Efforts will also be made to create a more conducive environment for patient care,” he added.

The official further said the procurement of advanced medical equipment is underway to support improved patient care, and increased staffing levels will ensure SKIMS can effectively meet the growing healthcare demands. He said the infrastructure expansion plans are in place to increase space within the emergency department.

“Measures are being taken to regulate the number of attendants in the emergency department to foster a focused environment for care delivery. An expert committee will closely oversee the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to ensure the seamless delivery of emergency medical services,” he said.

Addressing the high patient volume, with an average of 800-900 daily patients, Prof Ganie had already stressed the critical role of a well-functioning emergency department in delivering timely and effective care. He said SKIMS remains committed to upholding its leadership role in regional emergency healthcare.