Srinagar: In a concerted effort to address the urgent need for improved emergency services, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) recently convened a special Grand Round session titled “Streamlining Emergency Services: Need of the Hour.” The session, which took place in the SKIMS auditorium, was chaired by Prof. M Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS, and Prof. Shariq R. Masoodi, Dean Medical Faculty, SKIMS. It brought together the entire SKIMS community, including faculty members, administrators, and other stakeholders, to discuss and strategize enhancements in emergency medical services.
The highlight of the event was a compelling presentation by Dr. Abrar Wani, Professor of Neurosurgery and In-Charge Head of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Wani’s PowerPoint presentation meticulously outlined the critical issues affecting emergency operations, such as patient flow management and congestion within the emergency area. He also proposed viable solutions to these pressing concerns.
The discussions that followed were marked by thorough deliberations among faculty members, administrators, resident doctors, and other professionals. A comprehensive plan aimed at optimizing emergency services was formulated during the session. This plan includes immediate actions, short-term remedies, and long-term strategies. One of the pivotal solutions proposed and agreed upon during the deliberations was the implementation of a separate entry system for critically ill patients arriving via ambulances. This strategic initiative aims to streamline the triage process, ensuring that patients in critical condition receive prompt and prioritized care upon arrival at SKIMS.
“The collaborative effort and strategic planning highlighted during the Grand Round underscore SKIMS’s commitment to enhancing emergency medical services and improving patient outcomes,” remarked Prof. Ganie. He commended Dr. Wani and his team for their efforts in elevating emergency care standards at SKIMS, aligning perfectly with the institute’s mission to deliver excellence in healthcare services.
Key initiatives from the session include the establishment of a Dedicated Triage Center where senior residents will promptly assess patients upon arrival, streamlining treatment pathways for faster and appropriate care. Additionally, SKIMS is implementing a dedicated biochemistry lab within the emergency area to expedite essential tests, thereby reducing dependency on external facilities and enhancing diagnostic efficiency. The institute is also introducing specialty-wise bays tailored to specific medical needs to optimize workflow efficiency while maintaining optimal bed capacity.
Efforts are underway to improve the overall patient care environment, invest in advanced medical equipment, augment staffing levels, expand infrastructure within the emergency department, regulate patient flow, and ensure continuous monitoring through an expert committee to sustain seamless service delivery and ongoing enhancement.
“This Grand Round served as a pivotal platform to address the pressing need for streamlined emergency services in our healthcare system,” Prof. Ganie emphasized, reaffirming SKIMS’s dedication to advancing emergency medical services in alignment with its mission to deliver excellence in healthcare, education, and research.
The event concluded with a commitment to implementing actionable recommendations generated during the discussions. SKIMS reaffirmed its dedication to advancing emergency medical services, aligning with its mission to deliver excellence in healthcare, education, and research.
The special Grand Round has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing emergency medical services with a strong focus on efficiency and patient-centered care, marking a significant step forward for SKIMS in its ongoing mission to improve healthcare standards.