PETALING JAYA: Response time and repair time (time taken to carry out repairs) are among the criteria being evaluated for standards in maintenance and operations at healthcare facilities.
This information was stated in the public consultation document released by the Department of Standards Malaysia, outlining the standards that healthcare facilities should observe for the maintenance and operation of assets and engineering systems within their buildings.
Repair time refers to the period between identifying a maintenance issue and completing the repair, and this depends on the urgency, complexity and resources involved.
The repair time also depends on the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) or Service Level Agreement (SLA) agreed upon between the facility owner and the maintenance contractor or vendor.
Response time, on the other hand, refers to the duration between the time when the service requests were made and the time taken by the facility engineering maintenance services (FEMS) to respond, either by arriving on-site or taking the necessary action.
These requests are categorised into two categories, namely critical and non-critical.
Plumbing failure, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) breakdowns, and electrical supply failures are some examples of critical requests.
“These requests require immediate response, and a rapid response time is critical to prevent further damage or safety risks,” according to the document.
The response time for non-critical requests, which are related to the day-to-day functioning of the building or facility, may differ depending on KPI and SLA.
The department proposes that healthcare facilities have a contingency plan to handle unexpected failures, disasters, outbreaks, emergencies or disruptions in building operations.
This will ensure that critical systems remain operational, minimise downtime, and protect the safety of occupants and assets, it said.
“A good contingency plan aims to prepare for emergencies such as power failures, HVAC breakdowns, or fire incidents; minimises downtime and service interruptions by having alternative solutions in place; ensures occupant safety by implementing emergency response procedures; and reduces repair and recovery costs by addressing issues quickly and efficiently while maintaining compliance with regulatory and safety standards,” the document said.
In addition, a contingency plan could also be regarded as part of disaster management to help the healthcare facility overcome disasters internally or externally,” it added.
Some of the risks that require a contingency plan include power failures, HVAC system failures, plumbing and water supply issues, fire and safety hazards, structural failures, medical gas interruptions, and disasters.
The plan must comprise several key components, including risk assessment and identification, the development of emergency response and action plans, the establishment of backup systems and alternative solutions, and the formulation of communication and notification protocols, as well as the implementation of training and drills.
The public consultation document is to collect feedback from government agencies and regulators; industries and manufacturers; research agencies and certifying bodies; academics; and users, as well as healthcare facilities.
In 2024, The Star reported that three out of the four operating theatres at the Hospital Sultan Idris Shah (HSIS) in Serdang were non-functioning due to air-conditioning issues, leaving about 1,000 patients in a lurch.
