ASPEN Medical has rebutted allegations made by the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, regarding patient care at Lautoka Hospital. In a recent statement, an ASPEN representative clarified that the hospital’s emergency department (ED) was staffed with a total of seven clinicians, including three doctors and four interns, during a particularly busy afternoon last Thursday.
The spokesperson highlighted that the ED employs a systematic triage method, categorizing patients based on the urgency of their conditions. On that day, a total of 123 patients were triaged, reflecting the department’s operational capability to manage critical cases efficiently. The ED also features a dedicated fast-track category for critically ill patients, staffed by three clinicians.
Chaudhry expressed concerns about a young boy allegedly left untreated outside the ED from 3:30 PM since having arrived at 9 AM. However, ASPEN Medical clarified that the patient in question was assessed within two hours and 25 minutes of triage and had a series of blood tests ordered before being discharged the same day. They noted he was categorized as a level four patient, which indicates a routine or non-urgent priority in the triage scale.
In addition, the hospital confirmed that there were no shortages of intravenous (IV) fluids, maintaining sufficient stock to meet patient needs. This is an important statement given the ongoing discussions about healthcare resources in Fiji, especially following recent updates on the focus for improvements at Lautoka Hospital.
The context of these claims comes against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services at Lautoka Hospital, as indicated by previous discussions led by ASPEN Medical CEO Gavin Whiteside. He has acknowledged the need for significant renovations and improvements to facilities and services. Such initiatives aim to better serve both the local community and enhance the hospital’s overall capacity.
The commitment to reform and improvement signifies a hopeful outlook for healthcare in Fiji, with ongoing investments expected to elevate service standards, ensuring that patients receive timely and adequate care. In addressing these concerns, ASPEN Medical reinforces their dedication to maintaining quality healthcare while adapting to operational challenges within the system.
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