BRIEF HISTORY
There were no proper patient's records keeping in the hospital before 1983, when Mr F. A. Fakolujo transferred his services from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos. Before then, the patients' documentations were usually done on “treatment chart”, a system that was headed by Mr D. A. Coker (a Chief Nursing Superintendent) who incidentally was a friend to Mr F. A. Fakolujo. Mr. Coker made use of a few nurses with the support of some ward orderlies to achieve the purpose of patients' records keeping, using a type of open boxes to keep them.
At a point, the duo of Mr. O. A. Coker (Nurse) and Mr. F. A. Fakolujo, a trained Medical Records Officer abroad had a discussion whereby Mr F. A. Fakolujo indicated his interest to transfer his services from LUTH to Aro for continuity. Mr Coker facilitated the process; hence, Mr F. A. Fakolujo transferred his service to Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro in the year 1983 and became the pioneer of formidable and structured Medical Records keeping.
He incorporated the old records from 1972 into the system to aid continuity of care; he as well initiated “Straight Numerical System” of filing which is in use till date. Mr F. A. Fakolujo retired from active service in the year 1994 as Chief Medical Records Officer. Mr Ogunyemi, J. A., a Psychiatric Nurse and as well a trained Medical Records Officer took over from him and retired voluntarily.
The baton of leadership of the department fell on Mr O. A. Olaniyan who served in his capacity as Chief Health Records Officer till his retirement.
About a year to Mr. O. A. Olaniyan's retirement, the current HOD (Dr B. K. Ayilegbe) transferred his service from Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Kano as a Chief Health Records Officer. He incidentally became the substantive HOD (Health Records) on the exit of Mr O. A. Olaniyan and remains in-charge till date.
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
Philosophy
To make Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta synonymous with excellent care, phenomenal patient service and an unparalleled commitment to patients, staff and community.
Objectives
The main objective is patient satisfaction. The specific objectives are to ensure:
Availability of patients' case-files at all times.
Confidentiality of patients’ health information.
Reduction in patient waiting time
Security of patient health records.
Professional praxis.
FUNCTIONS
The functions of the department are numerous, but not limited to the following:
Accurate and complete registration and documentation of patients.
Prompt and accurate retrieval of patients' health records.
Accurate filing of patients' health records.
Good patient appointment system.
Accurate clinical coding and indexing of diagnoses.
Confidentiality of patients' health information.
Facilitation of various clinical research in the hospital.
Professional custody of patients' health records/information.
Computerisation of patients' health information.
Collection, collation, analysis and presentation of health statistical data and information for an informed decision making.