It is one of the biggest annoyances for patients: long waiting times in the hospital. In the east of Brabant, patients had to wait an average of fifty days for an appointment. At the Elkerliek Hospital in Helmond they found this undesirable. Thanks to collaboration, creativity, extra staff and extra consultation hours, the average waiting time is now less than thirty days.
The pressure on hospitals is increasing: people are getting older, the number of patients with chronic conditions is growing and fewer people want to work in healthcare. At the Elkerliek hospital, the average waiting time a year ago was forty days.
How did they handle it?
“In one year, waiting times have been significantly reduced and Elkerliek has become the hospital in the region where patients, on average, receive an appointment the fastest,” says a spokesperson. “We listened to employees, general practitioners, patients and health insurer CZ.”
Employees’ ideas have been tested on a small scale and further rolled out. “We have implemented more than fifteen concrete initiatives that have led to shorter waiting times, faster diagnoses and improved care processes, of course while maintaining quality,” says the Elkerliek spokesperson.
How long are the waiting times?
The cardiology department of the Elkerliek is located waiting time in five days. For comparison: at the Bernhoven Hospital this is 31 days in Uden and 48 days in Oss. The Maxima MC (Veldhoven) reports fifty days and the Catharina Hospital (Eindhoven) 120 days.
For surgery, the waiting time in Helmond is only five days, while at other hospitals it varies from seven to ninety days.
What measures taken?
Not every plan works for every department, the hospital says: “Every department requires customization. Dealing better with the available capacity is the basis.” However, additional people have also been hired, such as an orthopedist for knee and hip complaints. “Patients can now often come within a week to discuss the best solution,” says orthopedist Ena Čolo.
Waiting times have also been shortened due to an extra surgeon and better use of the operating rooms. In ophthalmology, where the waiting time was previously six months, the waiting times are now forty days. “In the past, everyone went straight to the ophthalmologist. Now, patients with non-acute complaints first see an optometrist, who coordinates his findings with the ophthalmologist,” explains Ophthalmologist Samuël Verkerk. There is also a special ‘cataract consultation hour’ on Saturdays, so that more patients can be helped more quickly.
Consultation hours and online
The cardiology outpatient clinic has special consultation hours for patients with chest pain. “People for whom heart problems are unlikely can be reassured sooner. Patients with a higher risk will receive clarity and appropriate treatment more quickly,” says cardiologist Jeroen Lammers.
Telemonitoring also plays an important role. In pulmonary medicine, patients are monitored remotely: they take measurements and complete questionnaires at home. “If the values are abnormal, we will contact you so that we can make timely adjustments and prevent a hospital admission,” says respiratory nurse Annet Kuijten.
