Viral Queen Elizabeth Hospital I scenes prompt Sabah Health Dept pledge to improve facilities, services

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — The Sabah Health Department (JKNS) has pledged to improve facilities and service delivery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I (HQE I) following public feedback sparked by viral social media posts showing conditions at the hospital at night.

In a statement yesterday, JKNS said the concerns raised included waiting times at the Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD), members of the public resting in the hospital lobby, canteen operations and parking facilities.

Berita Harian reported that among the measures to be implemented are tighter monitoring of the lobby, public walkways and waiting areas during the night.

The department also said it would review how information on canteen operating hours is communicated and improve communication with patients and their families on waiting procedures and treatment priorities at the ETD.

JKNS said patients at the emergency department are treated according to the severity of their condition under the triage system, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis, with critical cases receiving priority.

It added that on the night referred to in the social media posts, 42 Green Zone patients received treatment between 9pm and 10am, with two medical officers on duty.

Addressing images showing people resting or sleeping in the hospital lobby and corridors, JKNS said checks found they were not patients waiting for treatment or appointments at the ETD.

Instead, most were family members, caregivers or visitors from outside Kota Kinabalu and rural areas who faced difficulties finding temporary accommodation.

While the hospital provides a visitors’ hall, JKNS said the facility is insufficient to accommodate the large number of relatives.

“The hospital understands the difficulties faced by patients’ families and will continue monitoring the use of public spaces to ensure the safety, cleanliness, comfort and smooth movement of patients, visitors and staff,” the statement said.

JKNS also clarified that the HQE canteen operates 24 hours a day, except for a scheduled closure every Saturday from midnight until 5am for cleaning.