An exterior view of Yeungnam University Hospital. [Daegu city government]
An exterior view of Yeungnam University Hospital. [Daegu city government]

Daegu city has designated Yeungnam University Hospital, Chilgok Kyungpook National University Hospital and Fatima Hospital as regional emergency medical centers, the city announced Thursday.

Under the designation, the three hospitals will serve as regional emergency medical centers for three years beginning Nov. 1.

Designations of regional emergency medical centers are carried out on a three-year cycle under the Emergency Medical Service Act.

This year's evaluation went beyond basic infrastructure — including facilities, personnel and equipment — to conduct an in-depth assessment of actual clinical capabilities, such as the capacity to perform surgery and procedures following emergency room admission.

The designated centers will be responsible for the initial intake and emergency care of critically ill and other emergency patients. When necessary, they will coordinate with area emergency medical centers to ensure appropriate treatment, playing a central role in the local emergency medical delivery system.

The hospitals will also maintain a round-the-clock emergency care system so residents can reliably access emergency medical services.

Daegu city plans to build a close patient-transfer and cooperation network between the three area emergency medical centers designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in July — Kyungpook National University Hospital, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital and Daegu Catholic University Hospital — and the newly designated centers, to ensure emergency patients receive optimal care.

"We will continuously strengthen the intake capacity and care-coordination functions of regional emergency medical centers so that residents can receive timely emergency treatment close to home," said Lee Jae-hong, director of Daegu city's health and welfare bureau.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com