The effectiveness of inter-hospital collaboration.

Remote consultations and surgeries supported by doctors from provincial hospitals have become effective solutions, contributing to improved professional capacity, shorter emergency response times, and increased chances of survival for patients.

A newly constructed operating room, meeting modern surgical standards and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, has been installed at the Van Don Special Economic Zone Medical Center.

The Van Don Special Zone Medical Center, in collaboration with the Provincial General Hospital, successfully performed surgery to remove a chronic subdural hematoma in the left hemisphere of patient NVM (76 years old, residing in Van Don). Prior to admission, the patient presented with weakness in the limbs, unsteadiness while walking, and persistent abnormal symptoms for several days. Clinical examination and a CT scan of the brain revealed a subdural hematoma in the left hemisphere, a common lesion in the elderly with a high risk of serious complications. Recognizing this as a surgical emergency, the Center immediately invited doctors from the provincial hospital to assist with the surgery.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Deputy Director of the Provincial General Hospital, directly performed the surgery along with the medical team from the Center. After nearly two hours of surgery, the hematoma was completely removed, the patient was conscious, and neurological symptoms improved significantly.

Dr. Hoang Huy Toan, Head of the Department of Surgery - Maxillofacial Surgery - Ophthalmology - Otolaryngology (Van Don Special Zone Medical Center), said: "Timely support from the provincial level not only helps save patients' lives, but also provides an opportunity for the team at the grassroots level to improve their professional skills and gradually master advanced techniques."

A cardiovascular intervention procedure at the Provincial General Hospital.

On the evening of July 6, 2025, Cam Pha Regional General Hospital received a 73-year-old patient (from Cua Ong ward) presenting with dizziness, fatigue, dull pain in the left chest, and shortness of breath on exertion. Although initial vital signs were relatively stable, the on-duty doctor promptly ordered an electrocardiogram (ECG), which revealed acute inferior myocardial infarction with third-degree atrioventricular block – a dangerous condition with a high risk of death if not treated promptly. The team immediately initiated on-site emergency care, simultaneously consulting online with the Provincial General Hospital and activating an urgent transfer. Thanks to the coordinated process, the patient was safely transferred and received timely coronary intervention. The successful stent placement saved the patient's life at the last minute.

In addition to providing effective emergency care, the inter-hospital coordination model also helps handle many complex and technically demanding cases right at the grassroots level. A prime example is the successful surgery to treat grade III pelvic organ prolapse in a 77-year-old patient at the Quang Yen Medical Center. The patient was admitted in a critical condition, with her uterus almost completely prolapsed out of the vagina, accompanied by several complex underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of complications if not treated properly. Given this situation, the Center proactively activated the inter-hospital consultation mechanism, inviting experienced obstetricians from Bai Chay Hospital to participate in the collaboration.

The surgical team, comprising obstetricians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists from two units, chose the Crossen method, a modern technique requiring high precision, combined with advanced supporting equipment such as C-Arm fluoroscopy. After nearly 3 hours, the surgery was performed safely without complications, allowing the patient to recover well post-operatively.

Doctors at Quang Yen Medical Center examine a patient after emergency surgery.

The inter-hospital collaboration model in Quang Ninh is creating a significant transformation in improving the professional capacity of grassroots healthcare. Instead of transferring all patients to other hospitals, many patients receive effective treatment and emergency care right on-site, thanks to professional support programs, continuous training, and technology transfer from higher-level hospitals to lower-level ones.

Currently, the medical centers in Van Don, Hai Ha, Quang Yen, Mong Cai, etc., have mastered many techniques, such as brain surgery, emergency abdominal surgery, intensive care, and cardiovascular emergency care. Regular support from provincial hospitals helps the local medical staff confidently handle more complex cases, improving the quality of treatment for the people.

The provincial health sector continues to expand the inter-hospital collaboration model, deploy new techniques at the lower levels, and apply technology in remote consultations and the sharing of interconnected medical data. This not only reduces the burden on the provincial level but also helps people, especially in remote areas, access quality, safe, and affordable medical services right where they live.

Nguyen Hoa

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/hieu-qua-tu-phoi-hop-lien-vien-3367505.html