Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Debated in Parliament on 19 Feb 2018.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current scheme on priority queue for frail and elderly patients seeking outpatient treatment at the polyclinics and hospitals; and (b) whether this priority scheme is also applicable across all patient service points, such as the x-ray department and pharmacy.

Gan Kim Yong

All our polyclinics and specialist outpatient clinics have implemented appointment booking to minimise waiting time for patients. As many of our patients are elderly, appointments are given based on clinical need. This ensures that patients who are more ill or require urgent medical attention are seen earlier regardless of age.

Nevertheless, clinic staff are trained to identify patients with potential fall risks, mobility issues or who appear unwell and assistance will be provided when necessary. Wheelchairs are available and service points are also installed with mobility aids, such as grab bars, ramps and lifts. Priority seats are available for those who need to sit while waiting for their turn.

Polyclinics also have self-help kiosks, online or mobile platforms for payment and booking of next appointments for the convenience of the patients and caregivers. Medications can also be home-delivered or collected at selected retail outlets and Pillbox lockers. These initiatives minimise the need to queue at payment or pharmacy counters.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals | PAPERCUTS

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Debated in Parliament on 19 Feb 2018.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Gan Kim Yong

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Gan Kim Yong

Summary

Questions Identified

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Gan Kim Yong

Summary

Questions Identified