Due to the decision of the Lower Silesian Voivode transforming our hospital into a single-name infectious disease hospital, with limited access to Primary Health Care, access to health care for residents of Bolesławiec County has significantly worsened.
Unfortunately, patients must be aware that sanitary and epidemiological requirements limit the department’s ability to operate. Pursuant to the Act of September 8, 2006 on the State Emergency Medical Services, only patients in a state of sudden health emergency will be admitted.
The Act defines this as a state of sudden health emergency—a condition involving the sudden or expected short-term onset of symptoms of deteriorating health, the direct consequence of which may be serious impairment of bodily functions, bodily injury or loss of life, requiring immediate emergency medical procedures and treatment. Such a condition includes serious injury, symptoms involving the circulatory system (heart rhythm disturbances, chest pain), a sudden increase in blood pressure, symptoms of a stroke or impaired consciousness. A minor injury is not a state of sudden health emergency—a sprained foot, a bruised finger or a knee injury; nor is an exacerbation of symptoms related to a chronic disease.
Let us remember that the Emergency Department is not a Primary Health Care or surgical clinic. Patients who are not in a state of sudden health emergency must be admitted by facilities in neighboring hospitals.
“Since I realize that patients cannot be expected to make an objective and professional assessment of their own health and have every right to be concerned about it, in case of doubt we are introducing a rule already used in Primary Health Care—a telephone consultation with an Emergency Department nurse (tel. 75 738 02 60),” says Piotr Lenartowicz, acting head of the Emergency Department of the Zespół Opieki Zdrowotnej in Bolesławiec.
In the event of reporting to the department, patients must accept restrictions on freedom of movement. There is an intercom at the entrance to the Emergency Department, through which contact is made with staff; visitors may have to wait outside, even before being allowed into the department. It is recommended that patients avoid bringing unnecessary companions, who will not be admitted to the department except when absolutely necessary.
“I would also like to remind you that there is a ban in force on any visits to patients in the department or passing through the department’s premises on the way to a clinic, exit, etc. I hope these restrictions will meet with patients’ understanding and acceptance. They have been introduced for our common good and safety. Any violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules will automatically and independently of us result in a decision to close the department immediately and place patients and staff under quarantine—which, despite even the best intentions, will automatically eliminate any access to the Emergency Department,” warns Dr. Lenartowicz.