Zhoushan extends medical services to remote islands

A patient receives hemodialysis treatment at Daishan Second People's Hospital. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhoushan, a city in Zhejiang province, has long grappled with the challenge of maritime emergency response and medical services for islands.

Considering the region's scattered islands and predominantly elderly and disadvantaged population, Zhoushan Hospital, cooperating with the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), introduced helicopters for maritime rescues, significantly reducing rescue times and saving lives.

"We have conducted eight successful helicopter missions this year, rescuing six patients, including those with severe conditions like cerebral hernia," said Zhao Guangfeng, director of the hospital's emergency department.

Zhoushan Hospital is also benefiting from the expertise of SAHZU. Zhang Chao, deputy director of SAHZU's ultrasound medicine department, came to Zhoushan Hospital to assume the post as president last year. He explained that since the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two hospitals, more and more of SAHZU's experts are bringing advanced medical technologies to Zhoushan.

On Qushan Island of Daishan county, there are many patients in need of hemodialysis. Previously, they had to take a boat off the island for treatment two to three times per week. Sometimes, they couldn't get timely treatment due to bad weather.

The Daishan Second People's Hospital on the island has been working on establishing a hemodialysis room since February and finally the room opened to the public on June 28, allowing patients to receive treatment on the island and saving their time and costs.

In response to the difficulties in attracting and retaining medical talent, Daishan county has launched a pilot reform of talent management. By enabling exchange of medical staff between the county and township-level hospitals, coordinating and allocating medical resources effectively, it has achieved a balanced and high-quality distribution of medical service resources within the county.