New Centre for Neurological Care
Beginning April 20, PGIMER Chandigarh is transitioning its neurology and neurosurgery outpatient departments (OPDs), excluding the neurosurgery Trauma
OPD, to Level 2 of the Advanced Neurosciences Centre. This strategic move aims to create a more integrated and efficient system for patients seeking specialized neurological treatment. The services will temporarily halt at the New OPD Block after the afternoon of April 18 to facilitate a smooth and organized relocation. Professor Vivek Lal, the director of PGIMER, emphasized that this is more than just a change of location; it's a fundamental shift towards a patient-centric model. By bringing consultations, diagnostic capabilities, and advanced treatment options under one roof within the Advanced Neuroscience Centre, PGIMER is striving to reduce waiting times, boost clinical success rates, and provide a significantly more cohesive patient journey. This initiative underscores PGIMER's dedication to establishing new standards in advanced medical care.
Optimized OPD Schedules
The operational timings and established schedules for these crucial outpatient services will remain consistent despite the change in venue. The Neurology OPDs are scheduled to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with an additional Special Clinic running on Thursdays between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. Complementing this, the Neurosurgery OPDs will continue their services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, generally from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Patients and their accompanying individuals will be able to access the new Advanced Neurosciences Centre via Gate No. 3 at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Comprehensive directional signage and personnel are in place to assist visitors and ensure a seamless transition for everyone utilizing these services.
Expanded Capacity and Reach
This state-of-the-art, six-storey Advanced Neuroscience Centre boasts a substantial capacity of approximately 300 beds, consolidating both neurology and neurosurgery services. This co-location is designed to significantly benefit not only residents of Chandigarh but also the broader population of north India, where the incidence of neurological disorders is experiencing a notable surge. Official PGIMER data highlights a substantial increase in patient visits to the neurology OPD, with figures rising from 44,862 registered patients in 2021 to 68,457 in 2022, and further to 82,587 in 2023. This escalating trend clearly indicates the growing demand for specialized neurological care and the critical need for expanded facilities.
Enhanced Emergency and Specialized Services
Further elevating patient care, the centre will offer dedicated neuro-critical care and advanced emergency neurology services. The Neurology Department will also introduce independent, 24-hour emergency services, supported by a planned allocation of 15 beds. A significant new addition is the establishment of an autonomic laboratory, which is vital for effectively managing patients with disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Notably, such a specialized facility for autonomic function testing is not currently available in any other premier medical institute across northern India. Patients requiring admission and treatment for neurological issues through the Emergency and Trauma Centre will now be transferred here, effectively alleviating pressure on the existing facilities and improving patient flow.
Addressing Trauma and Head Injuries
The new Advanced Neuroscience Centre is poised to play a crucial role in managing the high volume of patients, particularly those admitted to PGIMER's trauma centre due to accidents involving head injuries, who require specialized neurological intervention. The sanctioning of new staff for the centre has already been completed, ensuring adequate human resources are in place to support the expanded services. By centralizing these critical care functions and providing specialized diagnostic and treatment capabilities, PGIMER aims to significantly improve outcomes for patients with complex neurological conditions, including those arising from traumatic brain injuries.
