ER: Waiting Time Reduction with the "Bracelet" System

The tracking system using a "bracelet" in Emergency Departments (ER) appears to be reducing waiting times, according to initial data from the Ministry of Health. More than 44,000 patients have been recorded in ten hospitals in Attica.

The average waiting time does not exceed five hours, and the goal is to further reduce it by next summer. However, the real "crash test" is expected in the fall, when hospitals will face increased pressure.

Data indicates that a large number of patients attending the ER could be served by Primary Health Care (PHC). The Ministry of Health has included Health Centers in the on-call schedule to relieve congestion in the ER, while also strengthening medical and technological equipment.

According to the ministry, the integration of all Attica hospitals into a morning on-call schedule has reduced attendance at general on-call services by 17%.