Cron April 2011_Layout 1 - ACO - NATO

medics/stretcher bearers, assisted by two drivers.Under these difficult circumstances it would beunderstandable if most patients were referred to theRole 2 facility in Camp Bondsteel. However, thispractice would result in a significant increase in costsand degrade the meaning of primary care byoverloading hospitals of higher roles with “easy” totreat patients.During the last 4 months this small team of dedicatedand hardworking personnel has recorded 784 visits toour Medical Centre. 89 of these patients werehospitalized or were short–stay inpatients in ourpatient ward and only 15 patients were referred toCamp Bondsteel Hospital. Overall, our team achieveda decrease of 80.8% in the number of patients sent toour Role 2 Hospital, while costs dropped more than6–fold. All this was achieved with no reduction in thequality of care for patients.In conclusion, the key to having a successful, potentand low–budget Role 1 Medical Centre are: (1) Directand everyday interaction of the medical staff with allsoldiers; (2) Constant vigilance and input regardinghygiene issues and improving the quality of life; (3)Regular checking of public areas and food; (4)Confidence of the physician in his knowledge,continuing education and making most of the medicalequipment and personnel he has; and (5) Cooperationwith chief sanitary services.Finally, I would like to express my gratitudeto all ourcolleagues from the hospital in Camp Bondsteel fortheir excellent cooperation.KFOR Chronicle, April 201117