Binghamton University’s Health Services has not been a pinnacle of efficiency, or even a particularly reliable medical institution.
In early September, in an attempt to address the problems that have eroded Health Services’ reputation over the years, an “open access scheduling” system was put in place to allow more students to receive appointments on the day they need medical care — a “do-today’s-work-today” policy, according to Health Services Medical Director Michael Leonard.
Now Health Services has $1.5 million coming its way from the Decker Foundation, which should bring with it 15 fully-equipped rooms, a larger waiting room and — lo and behold — an electronic medical record system to replace the current paper files. It is, indeed, the 21st century.
Of course, the renovations will provide benefits for Decker students as well, but the community’s primary concern should be how well Health Services takes care of the sick.
Patients still can’t get on-campus attention on weekends and walk-ins are designated for just 8 to 11 a.m. After Health Services closes at 4:45 p.m. on weekdays, patients are left to go off-campus. That’s without judgement on the caliber of care students receive if they get through the doors.
Particularly in these troubled economic times, we hope the money is put to the best possible use in keeping the community healthy, and that the administration realizes that more change, and more money, may well be necessary.