Dr. Al Knawy, CEO of the NGHA and President of KSAU-HS has stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in all operations within the medical organizations. Therefore, in an effort to maintain this ideal, the NGHA held a conference on Monday July 6, 2009 with Mr. Abdullah Al-Tayyar, the son of a patient who had been admitted to the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU).
According to Mr. Al-Tayyar, his father experienced several setbacks after being transferred from the IMCU and put into a normal ward. It is known that the IMCU has a higher nurse to patient ratio to ensure a higher priority level of care. Mr. Tayyar pointed out that after his father had been moved from the IMCU his condition deteriorated, and that the level of care was not that which was needed for his case. This resulted in critical changes in the father’s health.
One of the most important points made was that the IMCU avails patients with equipment critical in monitoring their condition in order to determine any changes in the treatment plan. Having equipment such as the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart, can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a full blown heart attack if caught early by trained staff.
Additional points brought to the discussion table were ways to improve the services to patients such as providing more detailed information on patient evaluation and conditions, improving levels of staff skill and professionalism, having a stricter set of criteria for removal of patients from IMCU to other wards, closer evaluation and supervision of staff and to make a wide study of overall conditions.
Mrs. Ildiko Polgar, a Nurse Manager in the IMCU, stated that they have already started an initiative where patient’s families may consult with the IMCU staff from 2-3pm daily to discuss any issues they might have and to fully understand the patient’s conditions. She thanked Mr. Al-Tayyar for bringing such concerns to the unit’s attention.
Finally, Dr. Saadi Taher, Director of Medical Services, thanked Mr. Al-Tayyar and addressed the audience, stating that while it was a privilege to work in the medical profession to help alleviate the pain and suffering of patients, there are times where efforts fall short of expected outcomes. Additionally, he stated that to achieve the best results, families and hospital staff must work together hand-in-hand towards patient and family centeredness. Best results will be achieved by not only institutional but also individual responsibility, empathy and teamwork.