By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Health Department has assured that patient welfare and safety remain the highest priority in all implementations.
"The hospital guarantees equitable treatment regardless of background, with transparent bed allocation based on clinical needs and availability.
"Queen Elizabeth Hospital's work culture is grounded in professionalism and courteous communication; any breach of ethics will be dealt with firmly in accordance with regulations," it said in a statement.
Recently, a healthcare-focused website, CodeBlue, claimed that regardless of patients' diagnosis or stability, they were being pushed out of the Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD) and placed in a multidisciplinary ward to meet a four-hour ETD clearance target at the hospital.
Since Jan 29 this year, the hospital has implemented the Health Ministry's patient flow management system to reduce congestion at the ETD.
The initiative includes coordination of bed usage through the Bed Management Unit (BMU), the establishment of multidisciplinary wards, and strengthened discharge management through the Expected Date of Discharge (EDD).
A discharge lounge and a bed monitoring system have also been introduced to ensure the availability of space for new patients.
CodeBlue also alleged that the ward was opened without adequate staff or basic equipment to operate safely, as well as lacking basic infection control measures.
It further reported that frontline staff who raised concerns were met with threats such as disciplinary action or punitive transfers.
The article also questioned the allocation of single-bed isolation rooms, alleging that individuals with personal connections to management were given priority, putting severely ill patients at a disadvantage.
"The sustainability of these initiatives will be strengthened through strategic improvements, including regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure open communication, and enhancements to the bed allocation system based on transparent clinical criteria.
"Periodic system evaluations are conducted to improve the effectiveness of patient management in a practical manner while prioritising the well-being of healthcare personnel.
"The Sabah State Health Department appreciates the commitment and sacrifices of healthcare workers who continue to deliver the best services despite heavy workloads.
"All feedback will be carefully reviewed to ensure safe, high-quality and effective healthcare services for the well-being of the people of Sabah," it said.
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