Wait times improving for Fraser Health

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s getting slightly better, but too many patients treated by the Fraser Health Authority are waiting too long to be admitted.

The health authority is making small gains to end what has been called “hallway medicine” at its facilities.

Fraser Health was strongly criticized a few years ago for the number of people languishing in hallways while they waited to be placed. Now about 40 percent of patients get a bed in less than ten hours – that’s 15 per cent under the health authority’s goal. Still, it’s up from about 35 per cent in the spring.

Tasleem Juma with Fraser Health is crediting a focus on prevention.

“Providing the prevention support that people may need to void chronic issues and challenges, chronic disease and then be able to keep them out of the hospital entirely.”

She says the decision to fund the problem has helped.

“Our initial investment earlier this year of $5-million enabled us to hire some additional staff in order to support these areas and now we’re seeing the benefits of this investment.”

Modest results in Fraser Health’s push to cut back on hallway medicine, more patients are getting admitted in less than 10 hours.

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