MAB Meeting Held on 21 April 1999

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News

I brought up this matter at the MAB to say that the problem could have been better handled. The following points were raised.
  1. Only 1 llist was affected (as told to me by Dr. Anne Wong).
  2. The OT lists are generally fairly quiet recently and it should be possible to channel the cases to other lists, or, as suggested by Ms. Loke, to book the local anaesthetic cases on one list and the general anaesthetic cases on another where there was anaesthetic coverage.
  3. Such occurrences are very rare indeed. Perhaps occurring only once or, at most, twice a year. It is surely possible for some arrangement to be worked out. What is important is that there be cooperation among those involved to resolve the matter in an amicable fashion without any ill-feeling being generated. After all, often there are times when certain lists cannot start on time because of lack of staff, but you don't see the anaesthetist kicking up a major ruckus because of this. We may not be happy but we don't make a big hue and cry about it.
securityThe incidences where
  1. S/N Rohana was recently robbed barely 200 m from the hospital. She was on her way home around 21:00 h after a "Star call" , and
  2. Dr. Eric Tham's car was broken into and a considerable sum of money lost
were brought to the attention of the hospital.

I suggested that the those staff who were expected to go home in between cases when on call should be provided with hospital transportation. Dr. Jacob Thomas felt that it was difficult to do this as many staff were involved, not just those from OT, for example the radiologists and the laboratory technicians.

To the suggestion that the hospital pay for their taxi fare, he said this may be too expensive as some of the staff may be staying very far.

Finally, he said he would look into the possibility of providing in-hospital accomodation for affected staff. The hospital would also highlight the problem to the police and ask them to increase the police patrols in the area.

With regard to security for cars parked in the hospital, he suggested that

  1. Doctors avoid parking in less secure areas, like behind the hospital or in poorly lit areas,
  2. Doctors should not leave valuables in their cars, especially in sections visible from the windows and windscreens, and
  3. The hospital would alert the security to the problem and possibly to increase the patrols around the hospital.
Some of the mid-wives have asked that a memo be circulated to inform them officially of the hospital policy that all mothers who are admitted in labour and who have not had a Hb done within the last 30 days must have it done. Dr. Hamid, as Chairman of the Perinatal Subcommittee, will be asked to do this. Brrrrrrr!The problem is still with us. The thermostats, both in the North and South Tower OT's, do not work and invariably the OT's are either much too cold or, less frequently, too hot.

Dr. Jacob Thomas promises to look into this again.

Datuk Dr. Loh brought the following to the attention of the administration, as requested by the members at the last Quarterly Medical Staff Meeting held on 24 March 1999,
  1. The members were unhappy with the categorisation of staff into Categories A, B and C. The administration was asked to review the system.
  2. Under clause 7b of the present contract, legal opinion was that the doctor's contract could be terminated without recourse to the MAB. Members wanted a system whereby the MAB's approval was required before a member's contract could be terminated or not renewed.
  3. The Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Bill 1998 specified that a Board of Management must be set up with two members from the Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Jacob Thomas fully ageed with this and foresaw no problem with its implementation. He however stressed that this board is only for the hospital and not for the overall Sime Darby Board of Management.
  4. The rules governing the composition of the MAB especially with regard to the need for certain members to be from category A may be ultra vires the above named Act. Dr. Ngun felt that this was open to interpretation and was personally of the opinion that the rules did not contravene the Act. Dr. Thomas would obtain legal advise on this.
  5. Dr. Loh also highlighted that many members wanted a permanent contract so that they would not have to worry about their rice bowl every moment of their working life.
  6. The house also suggested that all members have contracts that roll-over at the same time.
Dr. Thomas would look into the issues brought up. computerDr. Jacob Thomas revealed that the hospital would not be able to meet with the request of the doctors for the computer in the Medical Staff Lounge to be upgraded except for the speakers. Dr. Loh then suggested that the doctors pay for the upgrade from the Medical Staff Fund and also that a second computer be acquired together with a printer and any other necesary peripherals. The members of the MAB agreed with the proposal.
 
 








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