DOHA: Al Khor Hospital is implementing a new fixed-time appointment system for outpatients. The new system will also give priority to urgent or critical cases.
If a patient in Al Khor is referred to see a specialist by their doctor, this referral will be sent to the Referral Management Office at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
There, a specialist will review the patient’s case and determine the level of urgency.
A hospital representative will then call the patient to arrange an appointment within the clinically advised time frame and at a convenient time for the patient.
This means that there will be no need to visit Al Khor Outpatients Department to book an appointment if a referral has been made from Primary Health Care.
This is part of the ongoing roll out of a fixed-time appointment system across Hamad Medical Corporation. Hamad General Hospital, the Department of Dentistry, Women’s Hospital and the Maxillofacial Department all provide a fixed-time appointment system for outpatients.
Executive Director of the Centre for Healthcare Improvement, Nasser Al Naimi, whose team has developed the new system, said that it is all about patient centred care.
“The new system is very beneficial to patients. It means that they know they will see the right doctor to treat their condition, because their referral has been assessed by a doctor, who will ensure the right specialist is given their case.
“It also saves the patient travelling to the hospital to fix their appointment as our call centre team will phone them to arrange an appointment for the right time, based on clinical advice, and then remind them about the appointment a few days before so they don’t forget.” Al Naimi explained.
Chief Executive Officer of Al Khor Hospital, Mohammed Al Jusaiman, sees the new appointment system as a valuable service enhancement.
“With a properly assessed referral and fixed time appointment system for specialist consultation, we have the opportunity to improve patient access, reduce waiting times in the outpatient clinics, and help ensure patients receive the attention and care they require.
“The implementation of the fixed appointment system is a vital part of HMC’s commitment to providing the safest, most effective and compassionate care to our patients.”
HMC has also urged all patients to respect their appointment times and arrive at least 15 minutes early, in case any pre-assessment is required.
If they are unable to keep their appointment, they should call the Patient Contact Centre ahead of time at 4439 5777 to reschedule a new appointment at a time convenient for them.
The Peninsula
