ASPEN Medical has refuted claims by Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry that only one doctor was treating patients last Thursday afternoon at the Lautoka Hospital.
In a statement, an Aspen Medical spokesperson said the hospital’s emergency department (ED) had the services of seven clinicians including three doctors and four intern doctors.
“The ED also operates a fast-track category for critically ill patients, supported by a dedicated team comprising a doctor, an intern doctor, and a specialist nurse — a total of three clinicians specifically assigned to this area,” the spokesperson said.
“Between 7am and 6.15pm, the ED triaged 123 patients.
“Triage in a hospital setting is a systematic process of sorting patients according to the urgency of their condition to ensure the most critical cases receive immediate attention.”
The company did not agree with Mr Chaudhry’s claim that a young boy lying outside the ED from 3.30pm had not been treated since 9am.
“The patient mentioned was seen within two hours and 25 minutes of being triaged, having been placed in category 4 of the triage system, which is deemed to be of routine or delayed priority.
“The doctors had ordered a series of blood tests. He was discharged at 4pm and has been booked for a review today (last Friday).”
The spokesperson explained that the hospital followed the South African triage scale, which prioritised cases from minor to severe.
“Lautoka Hospital follows the South African Triage scale, where category one patients are seen immediately, category two patients within 10 minutes, category three patients within less than an hour and category four patients within less than four hours.
“Lautoka Hospital confirms that there is no shortage of IV fluids and maintains sufficient stock.”
