By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department (JKNS) has clarified issues raised on social media regarding services and facilities at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE), saying emergency services operated as usual and measures are being taken to improve public facilities.
In a statement, JKNS responded to concerns over waiting times at the Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD), people sleeping in the hospital lobby, canteen operations and parking facilities.
JKNS said patients at the ETD are treated according to the severity of their condition through the triage system rather than queue numbers, with critical cases receiving immediate priority.
It said ETD services operated normally on the night in question despite a steady flow of patients.
A total of 42 patients were treated at the Green Zone between 9pm and 10am, with two medical officers on duty.
Addressing photographs showing people sleeping in the hospital lobby and walkways, JKNS said a preliminary review found they were not patients waiting for treatment or appointments.
Most were family members, caregivers or visitors from outside the district and interior areas who were unable to secure temporary accommodation outside the hospital.
JKNS said HQE has a visitors’ hall but acknowledged that it is insufficient to accommodate the large number of patients’ relatives.
The hospital will continue monitoring the use of public areas, including the lobby and main walkways, to ensure safety, cleanliness, comfort and the smooth movement of patients, visitors and staff.
On canteen operations, JKNS said the HQE canteen operates 24 hours daily except for temporary closure every Saturday from midnight to 5am for scheduled cleaning.
The department also acknowledged that parking facilities at HQE are limited during peak periods when patient and visitor numbers are high.
It said the hospital would continue working with security personnel to improve traffic flow and parking management within the limits of existing facilities.
As part of ongoing improvements, HQE will strengthen monitoring of public areas at night, improve communication on canteen operating hours, and provide clearer information to patients and their families on waiting procedures and treatment priorities at the ETD.
JKNS said it remains committed to providing safe, compassionate and continuous healthcare services while improving facilities and the overall experience of patients and visitors.
A photo posted by a Facebook user shows people sleeping in the hospital lobby.
