A financial review of National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has questioned whether it is making the best use of its beds both at its hospital in Taipei and at its Beihu Branch.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) said that the hospital has 2,255 beds, but had only made available 1,649 beds, as shown by statistics provided by the hospital at the end of last year.
The number of emergency room patients hospitalized either for observation or waiting for hospitalization for more than 24 hours increased to 29,855 people last year, or 26.62 percent of emergency room patients, Chen said.
The figures had risen from 27,216 people, or 24.97 percent, in 2012, Chen said.
The number of patients staying in the emergency room for more than 48 hours increased from 16,085, or 14.76 percent, in 2012 to 17,616, or 15.71 percent, last year, Chen said, adding that the statistics indicate emergency room conditions are in decline.
Chen said thats the hospital has nevertheless not made use of beds that were approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to be used for both for standard and emergency use.
The ministry had approved 2,255 beds, but the hospital registered only 1,671 beds with the Department of Health, Chen said, adding that due to renovations in parts of the hospital there were only 1,649 beds available last year.
Chen said that the Beihu Branch is fully integrated into the hospital’s management system, which allows some of its beds to be used for emergency patients from Taipei who are being treated for minor conditions.
However, of the 31 beds at the branch, occupancy rates from 2012 to last year were less than 30 percent, Chen said.
The statistics showed that the hospital’s management has failed to properly utilize its resources, Chen said, adding that the hospital should make improvements and make patient care its priority.
In response to Chen’s allegations, the hospital said that beds at the Beihu Branch are usually reserved for patients with chronic illnesses or for long-term care, while beds at the Taipei hospital are for those in a severe condition.
The two hospitals cater to distinct needs, NTUH said, adding that because of renovations to parts of the hospital, it has not been able to provide the usual number of beds.
Additional reporting by Lin Hui-chin
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