GRH introduces ‘Grief Counselor' to provide details on health condition of patients
Government Rajaji Hospital here has introduced 'Grief Counsellor' with the main objective to provide timely information and updates regarding the status of the patient's health condition to the family members and relatives.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, Dean L. Arul Sundaresh Kumar said that Tamil Nadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative (TAEI) centre was among the best performing centres in the State. In order to improve the centre, there was a plan to introduce the 'Grief Counselor' or a help desk and steps were being taken in this regard.
When a patient is admitted to the emergency care centre, the doctors immediately start the treatment. The patient's attendants are briefed about the health condition of the patient. As time progresses, slowly more and more family members and relatives come and inquire about the status of the patients, and in some cases, when the patients are in a serious condition, constant updates are being provided to the family members, he said
The doctor provides the details and also clarifies the doubts of the patients and their family members. Sometimes, the doctors are busy as they have to concentrate on the other patients. This is where the 'Grief Counselor' steps in and plays the role of providing the necessary details, he said.
The GRH Dean said that the one-of-its-kind initiative was launched in association with the Arogya Welfare Trust that implements the social responsibility initiatives of the TVS Group, Madurai. It will pay the salary to the 'Grief Counselor.' A trial run was conducted and due to the good response to the initiative, it was launched officially, he added.
TAEI Medical Officer Thanappan said that on a daily basis the GRH was receiving many emergency cases and trauma cases were referred from neighbouring districts, including critically ill patients. The family members and relatives of the patients come to the centre in a panic. To have a team to patiently listen to them and provide status of the patients was needed. It was similar to a 'May I Help You' centre. The doctors can also discharge their duties without needless distraction, he said.
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