New prospects for hospital health assistance. Departmental structure and the emergency department in a provincial hospital

The medical and social factors underlying the creation of the departmental structure of a hospital are examined, with particular reference to organisation modernity and, with respect to patient health, the multi-disciplinary set-up of the emergency department, whereby a variety of specialists can be summoned, as required, for the purpose of preliminary diagnosis and treatment immediately on admission. Diagnosis and hospital stay are also benefited by the presence of a continuous polyambulatorial and temporary admission service. Attention is also given to the possibilities and aims of extra-mural extension of departmental activities. Suggestions are made for an efficient, cheap and viable organic structure for emergency departments of the type described.