Chennai: Thousands of patients visiting Government Stanley Medical College Hospital every day can expect shorter walks, easier navigation and better waiting facilities soon as the hospital undertakes a revamp of its outpatient (OP) block.The ground and first floors of the block are being renovated with a host of upgrades, including clear directional signage, waiting areas with more seating, drinking water facilities including an RO plant, eight pharmacies, and additional toilets.The open space on the ground floor will be transformed with gardens and seating arrangements to provide patients with a more comfortable waiting environment. “We wanted to create a patient-friendly set-up with proper directions and guidance so that patients do not struggle to find departments,” said dean Dr A Aravind. Soon, radiology and psychiatry OP services will be shifted here, he said. “Patients will eventually be able to collect their lab reports from the OP block,” he said.General medicine, general surgery, and other departments such as orthopaedics, ENT, physiotherapy, rheumatology, and dental OPs will function from the revamped block. “Earlier, this was used as a Covid-19 block. OPs had to be shifted to other buildings. After this renovation, all OPs, except super specialty services, will be brought back here,” said resident medical officer Dr B Vanithamalar. “We are ensuring that work is completed quickly so that the patients do not face inconvenience. We are also carrying out department-related work on the second floor,” she said.The hospital sees around 8,000 outpatients across departments daily. “A major chunk of the footfalls will be in this block, so we have ensured basic facilities such as RO water plant and additional counters to manage the crowd better,” she added. The work is expected to be completed in about 10 days and inaugurated by health minister K G Arunraj.Patients and attendants welcomed the move. “The block is getting a new look with the fresh coat of paint. Bringing all OP services under one roof will save us a lot of time and improve care. It will also make the overall experience better,” said Abhigail S, an attender.
