Advertisement

What are the regulations for setting up an emergency ward in hospitals?

Prof Anthony Redmond
Professor of Emergency Medicine,
Keele University, Staffordshire,
UK

Q: What are the rules and regulations for setting up an emergency ward in hospitals, regarding doctors, equipment, drugs, etc.?

A:The Ministry of Health will have the rules and should be contacted directly. The principles will revolve around the type of care you intend to offer or claim to offer. Minor injuries can be assessed by a nurse with onward referral a doctor where necessary. X-ray facilities should be available. If the department is to treat potentially life saving conditions then oxygen, a defibrillator and a ventilator should be available. Such cases must be managed by doctors trained in emergency medicine.