More patient-friendly facilities needed at SGH, says Fatimah

KUCHING (April 10): The growing number of patients, which has led to overcrowding in waiting and common areas, highlights the urgent need for more supportive and patient-friendly facilities at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah stressed that small comforts, such as proper seating, actually played an important role in enhancing the overall healthcare experience in the hospital.

“As the number of patients and research participants continues to grow, the need for supportive and patient-friendly facilities becomes increasingly important,” she said when officiating at the handover of contributions to the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at the SGH here.

The minister emphasised that providing sufficient seating was not merely about convenience, but also about preserving dignity, comfort and care for patients and caregivers, many of whom could spend long hours at the facility.

In this regard, she described the contribution of 10 reclining geriatric chairs with trays, valued at RM20,000, by 38 Yayasan Cinta Amal as ‘timely and impactful’.

“This contribution is highly meaningful as an interim measure to help address the shortage of beds in healthcare facilities, while ensuring that patients’ comfort continues to be safeguarded,” she said.

Fatimah added that the specially designed chairs were not only more comfortable than standard seating, but were also ergonomically suited for patients, particularly those undergoing long waiting periods or extended treatment sessions.

Meanwhile, SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung said the contribution would greatly benefit patients undergoing treatment.

“Earlier, we had a patient try out the new chairs and they shared that the chairs are very comfortable.

“This is exactly what we want,” she said, also expressing her appreciation for the prompt support extended.