Specialised hospitals

In the old days when I qualified in medicine there were separate infectious diseases hospitals. We have become complacent about infectious diseases and moved to megahospitals. If surgical, cardiac and cancer treatment was in separate facilities we would be more able to continue these treatments safely.

Why the contribution is important

Currently it is clear that patients with other health issues are being exposed to inadequate services resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

by GJBB on May 09, 2020 at 08:43AM

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Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 6 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Scotspensioner May 09, 2020 at 10:58

    I qualified as a nurse just as we were closing the old infectious diseases hospitals, they had a useful function in separating those with infection from others at a time when infection was a big risk. Since that risk is now back, maybe it should be considered again. Albeit in a more modern way.

  • Posted by JMack May 11, 2020 at 14:00

    It is possible that the Louisa Jordan Hospital could play a role in early treatment and surveillance of Covid-19 patients as outlined in my earlier suggestion: "The Benefits of Early Health Interventions for Suspected Covid-19 Cases"

    As Covid-19 testing capability builds in Scotland, the opportunity to take a more proactive, early intervention approach to the illness opens up. As our understanding of the virus grows, it seems clear that through “silent hypoxia” and hidden damage to vital organs, many Covid patients are, in fact, very ill by the time they call 111 and are subsequently admitted to hospital, putting intense pressure on high-intensity medical services up to and including intensive care. I suggest that the Government and NHS in Scotland now gives active consideration to much earlier and closer medical intervention along the lines of the process that has operated in Germany. The following illustrative quote is from the Byline Times, 4th April:

    “Another reason why Germany has managed to limit the mortality rates is because of huge coordinated community engagement and outreach programme that helps to limit the spread of the disease within the cases of early mild and moderate symptoms. Germany set up a programme of ‘corona taxis’ – where doctors outfitted in protective gear, travel around their local communities to check on patients who are at home, a week into being sick with the coronavirus. They take a blood test from the patient, looking for signs that the patient is about to go into symptom decline. They then often suggest early hospitalisation, or offer medication to patients who have mild or moderate symptoms; therefore increasing the likelihood of minimising patient deterioration in the earlier stages of symptoms and improving the chances of surviving before any rapid infection decline by being in a hospital when symptoms begin.”
    Why the contribution is important
    1. The suggestion may be a significant contribution to saving lives.
    2. There may be improved health outcomes in terms of chronic health conditions arising from the virus. This is clearly good for the people affected, and good for the best use of NHS resources in the longer term.
    3. Once more people are back at work, enabling Covid sufferers to return to good health more quickly, and with less chronic secondary illness, will have beneficial effects for the Scottish economy.
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