MM: MM Reporter called up top hospitals desperately seeking a bed in an ICU no vacancy : May 22,08

Inaccessible Care Units

Our reporter called up several hospitals on Wednesday seeking a bed in the ICU for a person suffering a serious head injury but was turned down in most places as there was no vacancy …….SANTOSH ANDHALE

If a relative or friend is very ill and you are frantically calling up the citys top hospitals to get him admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), you may be up against a wall as our reporter found out on Wednesday. He called up top hospitals, private as well as government-run, desperately seeking a bed in an ICU but most turned him down saying there is no vacancy. Here are transcripts of the conversations (recorded) between our reporter and the staff of various hospitals.

HINDUJA HOSPITAL

Mirror: I want to book a bed in the ICU for my uncle. He has a severe head injury.
ICU Dept: Right now, we dont have any bed. But if you want to register, you can do so.

BREACH CANDY HOSPITAL

MM: Madam, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle who has got a serious head injury.
Madam: Who are you?
MM: I am the patients relative.
(She asks some basic questions about the patient)
Madam: You bring the patient to the emergency (ward). If needed, we have a bed in ICU.

JASLOK HOSPITAL

MM: Madam, I want to a bed in ICU for my uncle Casualty Dept: Talk to our medical officer (casualty). Officer: There is not a single bed in the ICU.

BOMBAY HOSPITAL

MM: Sir, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle. Operator: Talk to casualty ward. MM: Sir, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle. Casualty ward: We have a bed, but depends if the patient can afford it. MM: I will ask my relatives and call back.

K E M HOSPITAL

MM: I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. ICU department: No place.

SION HOSPITAL

MM: Sir, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle. (Operator transfers the call to ICU department) MM: Madam, I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. Madam asks some questions, hands over phone to doctor. Doctor: (After asking some questions) There is a no bed in the ICU.

SIR J J HOSPITAL

MM: Sir, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle. Operator: Talk here (transfers call to casualty ward) MM: Madam, I want to book a bed in the ICU for my uncle. He has a head injury. Casualty ward: There is no vacancy.

LILAVATI HOSPITAL

MM: I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. 1st lady: Talk here (she transfers call to another lady). MM: I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. 2nd lady: Right now, we dont have a bed but you talk to ICU. MM: I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. 3rd lady: One bed is vacant but it is reserved for patients needing plastic surgery. Call our other ICU. MM: They asked me to talk to you. 3rd lady: There are three ICUs here. Which ICU do you want? Do you know the extension number you called up? MM: No, I dont. I know the landline number. The lady transfers the call. MM: I want to book a bed in the ICU bed for my uncle. 4th lady: Talk to our doctors. MM: Dr, I want to book a bed in the ICU bed. Doctor: Right now, we dont have a bed. (Enquires about patient, his age and whereabouts) Give me your number.

NANAVATI HOSPITAL

MM: Madam, I want a bed in the ICU for my uncle. Operator: I will transfer your call to the admission counter. MM: I need a bed in the ICU for my uncle. Admission counter: There is no vacant bed in the ICU.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

I do not think this should have happened. But if this is the case, I will carry out a review of the situation in the ICUs in city hospitals
 Dr Prakash Doke, director, State Health Services