Raffles Medical's 24H Emergency Services Offer a Personal Touch

Robynne Tindall theBeijinger

No-one really likes to think about emergencies when they don’t have to, but they are one situation where being well-prepared can save your life. You can prepare yourself for medical emergencies in a number of ways, primary among which is knowing the name and location of a reputable emergency room, especially if you’re living in a country where you don’t speak the local language.

Raffles Medical's emergency department is equipped with comfortable treatment and consultation rooms

A well-established name in the international healthcare community, Raffles Medical launched 24-hour emergency services at its Beijing clinic on October 5, 2020. The clinic is staffed by English-speaking certified emergency room doctors with decades of clinical experience, as well as an extensive support staff of nurses and technicians. Many of the emergency doctors worked under International SOS, a global leader in emergency medicine and medical evacuation, for many years. The staff also undergo twice-monthly training sessions and drills to ensure that they stay on top of the latest emergency procedures.

Emergency medicine and family medicine doctor Bill Zhang

In addition to comfortable consultation rooms, the clinic itself is equipped to deal with a wide range of medical emergencies, including internal medicine, surgical, gynecological, and pediatric emergencies. This is supported by an international pharmacy, a laboratory, an ultrasound and radiology department, and other essential facilities and equipment.

Raffles Medical has the latest equipment, including a newly-installed CT scan machine that will be put into use soon

As emergency medicine doctor Sonia Jutard-Bourreau explains, the first priority in an emergency situation is triage, i.e., establishing how urgent a patient’s condition is. “Any patient who comes to an emergency room by nature feels their condition is extremely urgent. In some cases, such as a cardiac arrest, it is immediately apparent what the problem is, while in other cases, it is less clear. Either way, it is our duty to work with them and find out what their care needs are,” she explains. Once a patient has been assessed, treatment can begin, including arranging for further care at a local hospital, if necessary. The Raffles Medical team has a strong network of connections with some of Beijing’s top specialists and surgeons, and will also help with the communication process, so patients can rest assured that they are getting quality care.

Emergency medicine and family medicine doctor Sonia Jutard-Bourreau

Part of providing effective emergency treatment is putting the patient and their loved ones at ease, as emergency room patients can suffer lasting psychological trauma from their experiences in addition to any physical conditions. The boutique size of Raffles Medical’s emergency services department goes a long way to helping with that feeling, avoiding the clamor and confusion of some larger, public hospitals. However, for Dr. Jutard-Bourreau, what really sets Raffles apart is the clinic’s strong history as a family medicine practice. “One thing I have noticed in my time here [at Raffles Medical] is that our doctors always say ‘my patient,’ not ‘a patient’,” she says, adding, “Patients usually refer to us by our first names as well.” The clinic’s strong connections with the local community give the doctors an extra level of insight into their patients’ needs in emergency situations, although first-time patients can, of course, expect the same level of care.

One of the larger observation rooms on Raffles Medical's newly-refurbished third floor

For an extra level of comfort, if you need to stay in the emergency department for more than a few hours, the Raffles team will move you to one of the comfortable observation rooms on the newly-refurbished third floor. With their muted grey and blonde wood color scheme and ensuite bathrooms, the rooms are fully equipped to provide a high-quality standard medical care in an environment with a level of comfort similar to a hotel. There are also rooms equipped with parent-child facilities.

Raffles Medical also has child-friendly facilities

There are plenty of other ways you can be prepared in the event of an emergency. In addition to knowing the details of your nearest or preferred emergency room, Dr. Jutard-Bourreau recommends preparing an information pack including a copy of your passport, a copy of your medical insurance card, details of any medical conditions including drug allergies, and emergency contact numbers, and carrying it with you at all times (or giving one to your children).

With winter on the way, it also pays to be on the lookout for the symptoms of common seasonal conditions. Beijing’s cold, dry air and occasional pollution can exacerbate respiratory system conditions like asthma and sinusitis. This year, more than ever, we all need to be aware of and monitor for any flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, coughing, and fever, and Dr. Jutard-Bourreau recommends that everyone get a flu vaccination. You should always follow Beijing local guidelines with regards to flu-like symptoms before visiting any emergency department, but Raffles Medical can offer tele-consultations to help you eliminate alternative diagnoses remotely.

Time is of the essence in emergency situations, and quick thinking and appropriate action by emergency physicians saves lives. But for patients themselves, comfortable surroundings and a personal touch also make all the difference. You can expect both at Raffles Medical’s emergency room.