My personal experience with Georgetown Hospital has been one of countless waiting hours in the emergency room, only to be told that the ultrasound clinic is closed. This leads to no clarity, no resolution to urgent health concerns, forcing patients to return the following day and repeat the harrowing process. This struggle is not unique to me. Therefore, this petition is to demand that Georgetown Hospital emergency ensures a 24/7 operating schedule for its ultrasound clinic.

Hardships aside, there are concrete statistics to back this request. According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, in 2011, ultrasound examinations were requested to be performed on almost one-fifth (19.1%) of emergency department patients. The lack of availability of this essential diagnostic service in odd hours results in delayed diagnosis, unwarranted stress on patients, and inefficiency in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, making ultrasound services available could help reduce unnecessary admissions, thereby aiding in efficient utilization of limited hospital resources.

We call on the hospital management to acknowledge this deficiency in their service and take immediate action for rectification. We believe that providing round-the-clock ultrasound services is not only a matter of convenience but also an essential requirement for delivering effective and comprehensive emergency healthcare services at the Georgetown Hospital. Please sign this petition to bring about much needed improvement in our healthcare services.