Responding to a news report about lengthy waiting times for patients seeking admission at the hospital on Thursday, Harlina said the hospital acknowledged that there was a delay and said it “deeply regretted” the matter.

She explained that a fire had occurred in the main switch room of the hospital’s substation on Thursday, causing disruption to operations at that time.

In addition to the large number of patients arriving at the ETD, she said, the lack of available beds contributed to the delays.

“A six-bed discharge lounge and a 12-bed holding bay were set up as a temporary transit ward to reduce congestion.

“The situation in each shift at the ETD is constantly being monitored to ensure that patients are given appropriate priority,” she said.

Harlina said a “step-down” process, which involves transferring suitable cases to other hospitals in Negeri Sembilan, will be carried out if necessary in future.

She also said additional staff will be mobilised to the department if required.

She advised those with mild symptoms to seek treatment at the nearest health clinic to allow the department to focus on emergency cases and reduce congestion at the hospital.

Harlina said Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital and the health ministry remain committed to ensuring the highest level of patient care.

In a Harian Metro report on Friday, a reporter’s observation at the ETD’s registration area found that many patients were concerned that they could not be placed in wards as they were full.