Forum: Make NurseFirst helpline more seamless by tapping primary care networks
I refer to the article, '995 calls for non-life-threatening cases to be referred to triage helpline from June 1 under new trial' (May 30).
This is a bold step that will help reduce queues at emergency departments at restructured hospitals, thereby reducing wait times for more urgent cases. The programme can go a step further by working with primary care clinics to form a coordinated nationwide network.
Many GP clinics operate late into the night, with some even staying open past midnight. By collaborating with existing GP and primary care networks, NurseFirst can help direct patients to appropriate clinics based on availability and proximity.
It can be frustrating for patients if they are told by NurseFirst to seek help at GP clinics at say 10pm, and end up spending much time searching for clinics which are open at that time. These patients with non-life-threatening conditions might return to the emergency departments at hospitals, defeating the purpose of the helpline.
For non-urgent cases, NurseFirst can also help arrange outpatient clinic appointments with polyclinics or GP clinics within a day or two.
Dr Desmond Wai
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