Medical Experts Call for Real-Time Bed Tracking to Enhance Patient Referrals.

Healthcare professionals have called for an urgent reform of Lagos’ patient referral system, including the adoption of a real-time digital bed-availability platform, to address the persistent “no bed syndrome” in hospitals across the state.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 2025 Opening Ceremony and Scientific Conference of the Medical Guild, Lagos State.

Speaking on the conference theme, “The No Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral: Exploring an Integrated and Effective Referral System in Lagos,” Dr. Babayemi Osinaike, Head of Emergency Medicine at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), stressed the need for technology-driven solutions to prevent avoidable deaths caused by delayed referrals.

“My message to policymakers is simple: there are no federal or state patients in Lagos—there are only patients seeking care. A patient should be referred between Lagos hospitals seamlessly, without bureaucracy. Policies must ensure everyone receives appropriate care,” Osinaike said.

He noted that overcrowding persists because many patients visit tertiary hospitals for conditions that could be managed at primary health centres or via virtual consultations.

“Too many people come to hospitals for issues that can be handled online. COVID showed us that physical presence isn’t always necessary. Policies should allow patients with mild symptoms to consult doctors remotely,” he added.

Osinaike advocated for a coordinated digital platform linking all Lagos hospitals—state, federal, and private—to update bed availability in real time.

“People book flights online and compare availability across airlines. Hospitals should operate the same way. Doctors should be able to check beds at LUTH or LASUTH before making a referral. That alone will save lives,” he explained.

He identified ignorance and poor connectivity between facilities as major obstacles to safe referral.

“Referral is more than issuing a letter—it is a medical-legal process. Healthcare workers must contact the receiving doctor before referring a patient, yet many are unaware of this,” he said.

He also urged stronger primary healthcare, describing PHCs as Lagos’ equivalent of the GP system. “If primary health centres function effectively, fewer people would need to visit LUTH or LASUTH. Many PHCs are underperforming—we must do better.”

Speaking on the sub-theme “Workplace Situational Awareness: A Panacea to Improve Patient–Doctor Communication,” public health expert Dr. Olufemi Omololu highlighted poor communication as a major contributor to conflict, misdiagnosis, and litigation.

“Patient overload, multitasking, cognitive strain, and misreading non-verbal cues all hinder communication. Situational awareness allows doctors to perceive their environment, understand patient emotions, anticipate crises, and prevent disputes, even among staff,” he said.

Omololu stressed that situational awareness is vital for patient-centred care. “It helps doctors adapt communication to patient literacy levels, recognise emotional distress, and show empathy. Integrating this into healthcare training reduces errors, strengthens relationships, and improves safety,” he noted. He recommended simulation training, mindfulness, better clinic design, and structured communication protocols.

In his remarks, Medical Guild Chairman Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to advocating for improved healthcare policies and doctors’ welfare.

“The choice of this year’s theme reflects Lagos’ growing pressure on emergency care. The ‘no bed’ challenge directly affects patient outcomes, and our goal is to explore practical solutions that ensure no patient is left stranded,” he said.