Admission Policy

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1. Purpose

To establish a standardized procedure for the admission of patients to Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, ensuring safe, efficient, and equitable access to inpatient and outpatient services in compliance with the Ministry of Health (MOH) regulations of the State of Kuwait.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All departments admitting patients within Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital.
• Medical, nursing, and administrative staff involved in the admission process.
• Emergency, outpatient, and inpatient services.

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3. Policy Statement

Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital provides healthcare services to all eligible patients requiring medical, surgical, maternity, or pediatric care. Admissions are based on clinical necessity, available resources, and MOH directives. No patient shall be denied admission based on gender, nationality, religion, or socioeconomic status.

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4. Admission Categories

a. Emergency Admission:

• Patients requiring urgent or life-saving treatment are admitted directly from the Emergency Department.
• Admission authorized by the on-duty Emergency Physician and relevant consultant.
• Immediate stabilization and transfer to the appropriate unit are prioritized.

b. Elective Admission:

• Planned admissions for surgeries, procedures, or investigations.
• Scheduled through outpatient clinics or consultants.
• Patients must complete pre-admission assessments and provide required documents.

c. Transfer Admission:

• Patients referred from other MOH or private facilities for specialized care.
• Transfer accepted only upon approval by the receiving consultant and bed availability.
• Full medical summary and referral documents must accompany the patient.

d. Maternity Admission:

• Pregnant women admitted for delivery, observation, or obstetric complications.
• Admission authorized by maternity triage or on-call obstetrician.

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5. Admission Procedure

1. Patient Registration:
   • Admission office verifies Civil ID, MOH card, and referral documentation.
   • Data entered into the hospital information system (HIS).
2. Medical Assessment:
   • Admitting physician completes initial examination and admission orders.
   • Diagnosis and admission category recorded in the EMR.
3. Informed Consent:
   • Obtained for all medical and surgical procedures as applicable.
   • Signed by the patient or legal guardian.
4. Bed Allocation:
   • Based on medical condition, infection control needs, and bed availability.
   • Coordinated by the nursing supervisor or bed management office.
5. Nursing Admission Assessment:
   • Completed within two (2) hours of arrival to the ward.
   • Nursing care plan initiated and vital signs recorded.

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6. Patient Rights and Responsibilities

• All admitted patients shall be informed of their rights and responsibilities.
• Privacy, confidentiality, and dignity are to be maintained throughout hospitalization.
• Interpreter or translation services shall be provided when necessary.

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7. Discharge and Transfer Procedures

• Discharge authorized by the treating physician upon clinical stability.
• Nursing staff complete discharge teaching, medication reconciliation, and documentation.
• Transfers to other facilities must include complete referral letters and acceptance confirmation.

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8. Documentation

• All admissions, discharges, and transfers must be recorded in:
  • Hospital Admission Register
  • Bed Occupancy Log
  • Electronic Medical Record (EMR)