SUBJECT: Observations of Mr. Cohen
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this paper is to address the problems brought to light by a memo prepared by Mr. Elias Cohen after a stay in our hospital. In his memo he pointed out many discrepancies in our procedures, staff, and facilities. I will address three of these issues and offer solutions to the problems.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS
This report is in response to a memorandum forwarded to the hospital by a former patient Mr. Cohen. Mr. Cohen expressed his concerns and observations involving several aspects of the hospital’s operations. I will address three of his concerns and offer potential solutions for the problems presented. The problems I will address are:
• Admissions
• Room Design
• Medical Surveillance
ADMISSIONS PROBLEMS
Mr. Cohen addressed three concerns relating to the admission process. These concerns were: (1) the stated and actual admission time, (2) inadequate preparation by hospital staff, and (3) the lack of information concerning hospital procedures.
(1) The stated and actual admission time - Mr. Cohen was instructed to be at the hospital for admission at 10:30 am. Upon his arrival he was surprised to find out that admissions were scheduled for 11:00 am. Mr. Cohen waited in the lounge for an hour before being called by the admitting clerk. After getting his pertinent information, the clerk then informed him that it would be quite a while before his room was ready and he should go to the snack bar and have a cup of coffee. Forty five minutes to an hour the patient was escorted to his room.
(2) Inadequate preparation by hospital staff - After waiting for hours Mr. Cohen was shown to his room only to find the bed not made, floor not s ...