UKC Niš director: All waiting lists eliminated in two and a half months

The University Clinical Center (UKC) in Niš has successfully eliminated all patient waiting lists in just two and a half months, announced Director Milan Lazarević. This achievement means patients no longer face delays for critical procedures such as bypass surgeries, artificial valve replacements, hip and knee operations, or diagnostic imaging like CT and MRI scans.

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Patients no longer wait for bypass surgeries, artificial valves, hip or knee operations, nor for CT scans, MRIs, and other radiology methods.

Lazarević noted that while the ophthalmology department still has a two-week waiting list for appointments, afternoon shifts starting Monday will address this backlog. He emphasized that the new leadership has made the center's doors open to patients and their families from Monday to Friday to resolve issues promptly. Over 400 conversations have taken place, resolving more than 95% of patient concerns.

To improve accessibility, UKC Niš provides five mobile phone numbers for patients who cannot reach management directly. Assistants, the head nurse, and Lazarević himself handle hundreds of calls weekly, offering support and assistance. Common complaints involve specialist outpatient services, accommodation conditions, and appointment availability, particularly for patients from other cities seeking subspecialists.

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On ophthalmology, there is a waiting list of about two weeks, which colleagues will practically 'clear' in the next two weeks by working afternoons and reduce this number of patients to a minimum.

The center is also actively participating in the national "Ko si bre ti" (Who are you?) portal, addressing three recent complaints. These included issues during childbirth, a patient's difficulty securing an orthopedic appointment, and a request for double shifts in specialist clinics. An anti-corruption team has been formed to enhance the center's operations.

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We are getting hundreds of calls from our fellow citizens, and we are providing them with support and all the help they need.

Furthermore, UKC Niš has implemented new services, including a pain therapy day hospital, the first south of Belgrade, offering state-funded treatment for various pain conditions. The center is also preparing to open its first "hospital blood bank," ensuring blood is readily available for patients in the operating room and intensive care. Reconstruction of all specialist outpatient clinics is underway, and double shifts have been introduced. A building permit has been secured for a new maternity ward.

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We have organized an anti-corruption team consisting of lawyers. Not to belittle the prosecution or the Anti-Corruption Agency, but to improve the work of the Clinical Center in Niš.