DOHA: People seeking treatment at primary health centres can expect faster care with the introduction of a patient triaging system at all facilities next year.
Two health centres have introduced the system, which classifies and prioritises patients based on their health needs, the Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) said yesterday.
It was introduced in Abu Nakhla health centre in June and expanded to Omar bin Khattab health centre this month. The service will be extended to all centres by March, the PHCC said. Patients visiting a health centre without a prior appointment will be assessed by trained nurses who will allocate a priority for them to be treated by a physician.
Those who, based on their assessment, need to be treated by a physician urgently will be seen first. Others, with more routine needs, will be given an appointment on a date and time convenient to them.
Dr Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, Director, Central Region, PHCC, said, “The aim of triage is to ensure patients are sorted and treated according to clinical need. This will ensure that those in most need are given priority. Patients returning for an appointment will be given 10 minutes if required, ensuring they have adequate time with the physician.”The Peninsula
