I REFER to the letter “Review emergency-ward procedures” (NST, May 8) by D.S. of Sungai Buloh.

Hospital Sungai Buloh follows a procedure in line with Health Ministry policies. All patients undergo an initial assessment by our paramedics (assistant medical officer or staff nurse) and are placed in the following categories:

- Non-critical cases, to be sent to registration before consultation;

- Fast-track cases, to be sent directly to a designated consultation room;

- Semi-critical cases, to sent directly to the zone for treatment; and

- Critical cases, to be sent directly to the designated area or zone, with a special alarm activated to warn staff of the incoming case.

For a non-critical patient (as in the case of the complainant), secondary triage will be done by an assistant medical officer again and his vital signs recorded. Later, the patient will be called.

But if the patient is unstable in secondary triage, he will be relocated to the Yellow Zone (semi-critical) or Red Zone (critical).

After consultation, the doctor will order for procedures (laboratory, radiology, electrocardiogram, etc).

While the patient is waiting for treatment, the paramedic on duty will monitor him in case he becomes worse.

DR KHALID IBRAHIM, for Sungai Buloh Hospital

Source: NST – May 15, 2008