Kota kinabalu: An individual seen sleeping in the lobby of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, whose image recently went viral on social media, was not a patient waiting for treatment at the Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD). According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sabah Health Department clarified that such individuals are typically visitors, relatives, or guardians from distant areas who encounter difficulties finding temporary accommodation outside the hospital. The department noted that while there is a visitor area available, the facility often cannot accommodate the high number of visitors. In a statement, the department expressed understanding of the challenges faced by patients' relatives, especially those traveling from faraway places. The hospital has pledged to monitor the use of public spaces, such as lobbies and main walkways, to ensure safety, cleanliness, and ease of movement for patients, relatives, and hospital staff. The department further explained that patient treatment in the ETD is prioritize d based on the degree of emergency through a triage system, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Critical cases receive immediate attention, and the ETD service operates as usual throughout the night with continuous patient presence. Additionally, the department acknowledged potential limitations in the hospital's parking facilities during peak times and assured ongoing efforts to monitor traffic flow and parking management to alleviate congestion. As part of improvement measures, the hospital plans to enhance monitoring in lobbies, public walkways, and waiting areas at night. It will also coordinate information on canteen operations and improve communication with patients and their relatives about the waiting process and treatment priorities at the ETD.