Lorraine Williamson
Starting Monday, 17 February, the Málaga-Guadalhorce Health District will implement a system ensuring medical appointments within 72 hours. This initiative, already active since January in Málaga’s northern, Serranía, and Axarquía regions, aims to enhance primary care accessibility.
The Costa del Sol health district is set to adopt the system soon, extending rapid healthcare access throughout the province.
Streamlined appointment scheduling
The system guarantees patients an appointment within three days for various services, including in-person consultations, teleconsultations, administrative tasks, or nursing care. A specially designed form assists in selecting the most appropriate appointment based on individual needs, enabling primary care professionals to respond promptly and efficiently.
Optimising healthcare resources
To maximise resource utilisation, health centres will limit reserved time slots to 7% of their schedules. Additional calendars and a triage system will direct patients to the appropriate care based on urgency and specific requirements. Regular audits will ensure effective schedule management, resulting in a streamlined response to patient demands.
Commitment to accessible public health
This initiative reflects the Servicio Andaluz de Salud’s dedication to providing quality public healthcare. By ensuring primary care appointments within a maximum of three days, the system aims to offer timely and personalised medical attention. With the forthcoming implementation in the Costa del Sol district, all Málaga residents will soon benefit from improved healthcare accessibility.
The plan is set to expand across Andalucia in the coming months, further enhancing public health services in the region.
Also read: Four out of five patients satisfied with primary care in Spain