The General Duty Department (GDD) in hospitals is responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations by supporting various non-specialized yet essential tasks. This department plays a vital role in maintaining order, cleanliness, and assistance for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

Functions of the General Duty Department

1. Patient Assistance:

   • Escort patients to different departments (e.g., radiology, laboratory).
   • Help patients with mobility issues, such as providing wheelchairs or stretchers.
   • Guide patients and visitors to their designated areas within the hospital.

2. Transport Services:

   • Transport medical supplies, documents, and equipment between departments.
   • Assist in transferring patients to operating theaters, wards, or diagnostic centers.

3. Cleanliness and Hygiene:

   • Ensure the hospital environment is clean and sanitary.
   • Monitor the availability of hygiene supplies such as soap, sanitizers, and tissues.

4. Emergency Support:

   • Act as runners during emergencies by delivering critical items or messages.
   • Assist medical teams in managing patient flow during high-traffic or crisis situations.

5. Logistics and Inventory:

   • Manage the movement and placement of hospital equipment and furniture.
   • Ensure wards and units are stocked with necessary supplies (e.g., linen, gloves).

6. Security Assistance:

   • Collaborate with the security team to monitor and control visitor access.
   • Maintain order in waiting areas and other public spaces.

7. Administrative Support:

   • Deliver paperwork, patient files, or lab reports to relevant departments.
   • Assist in setting up meeting rooms or conference spaces for hospital events.

8. Mortuary Assistance:

   • Provide support in transporting deceased patients to the mortuary.

Roles and Responsibilities of General Duty Staff

1. General Duty Assistant (GDA):

   • Assist nurses and doctors in basic patient care tasks like positioning or feeding patients.
   • Provide basic cleaning and sanitation in patient areas.

2. Ward Attendant:

   • Ensure patient rooms are clean and organized.
   • Handle linen changes and arrange beds.

3. Transport Attendant:

   • Move patients, medical equipment, and supplies within the hospital.

4. Sanitation Worker:

   • Maintain cleanliness in wards, operating theaters, and public areas.

5. Logistics Coordinator:

   • Ensure timely delivery of supplies and manage stock levels.

Skills Required for General Duty Staff

1. Physical Fitness:
   • Many tasks involve walking, lifting, or pushing.
2. Communication Skills:
   • Ability to interact politely with patients, visitors, and staff.
3. Basic Medical Knowledge:
   • Understanding of hygiene standards and basic patient care practices.
4. Time Management:
   • Handling multiple tasks efficiently under tight schedules.
5. Teamwork:
   • Working collaboratively with medical and administrative teams.

Career Path and Growth

1. Entry-Level Roles:
   • Ward Attendant.
   • Sanitation Worker.
2. Mid-Level Roles:
   • Senior General Duty Assistant.
   • Logistics Supervisor.
3. Advanced Roles:
   • General Duty Manager or Hospital Operations Manager.

Importance of the General Duty Department

• Patient Experience: Enhances the overall comfort and safety of patients and visitors.
• Operational Efficiency: Facilitates smooth coordination between departments.
• Hygiene and Safety: Ensures a clean, infection-free hospital environment.
• Support During Emergencies: Provides critical backup to medical teams.