Short wait times, patient satisfaction, and slight increase in mortality at CMC

WILLEMSTAD - Recent performance figures from the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) for September 2024 reveal that wait times for appointments at outpatient clinics remain relatively short. Patient satisfaction shows stable results, despite a slight decline in care ratings. However, the hospital has seen a rise in mortality rates. 

According to the data, nearly 1,800 people visited the emergency department in September, a slight increase compared to August, which recorded just under 1,750 visitors. More than half of these patients referred themselves, while others were referred by a general practitioner or specialist. 

Patient Satisfaction 

Patient satisfaction with care on hospital wards, measured through surveys, showed a slight decrease in September. The average rating for clinical departments was 8.4, down slightly from 8.6 in August. 

This drop is mainly influenced by lower scores in areas like information provision and perceived wait times for surgeries. In contrast, outpatient clinics saw an increase in their average rating, from 8.5 to 8.6. Communication with doctors and timely information provision received higher marks from patients. 

Wait times for appointments at outpatient clinics remain short. The hospital aims to keep maximum wait times within four weeks and is achieving this for most specialties, such as dermatology, cardiology, and ophthalmology. However, surgery wait times vary by specialty, with orthopedics having notably longer waiting periods. 

Mortality 

A key area of concern is the increase in the mortality rate, which rose to 2.87% in September, compared to 2.49% in August. 

This is attributed to a higher number of critically ill patients being admitted. The hospital emphasizes that mortality rates are closely monitored and measures are being taken to ensure continuity of care. 

Radiology and Surgeries 

In September, nearly 325 MRI scans were performed, an increase from 55 in August, and the number of CT scans also rose from over 875 in August to more than 1,000 in September. 

The number of surgeries, including cesarean sections, remained stable, with 533 performed in August and 531 in September. The average length of stay for admitted patients remained steady at 2.5 days in both months.




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