In recent years, Changzhou has accelerated efforts to build age-friendly medical institutions, improving facilities and streamlining services to better meet the needs of its growing elderly population. In March, the city launched a major initiative offering “zero-wait” medical services for patients aged 80 and above, establishing dedicated fast-track channels across all secondary and higher-level hospitals.

The measure, which gives consultation priority to patients over 80, has significantly reduced waiting times. However, challenges remain for elderly patients who attend appointments alone. Tasks such as using mobile apps to make appointments, paying via QR code, navigating dispersed diagnostic departments, and moving between registration, consultations, and pharmacies can still be daunting.

To address this, many hospitals in the city have set up permanent volunteer posts in outpatient clinics. Volunteers provide hands-on assistance at self-service machines, registration and payment counters, and diagnostic facilities, helping elderly patients book appointments, print reports, and complete other procedures with ease.

Since the launch of the “zero-wait” policy earlier this year, hospitals in Changzhou have delivered priority services more than 310,000 times for patients aged 80 and above—covering registration, consultations, tests, payments, and pharmacy visits. In addition, over 2,000 free companion services have been offered to help ensure elderly patients attend their medical appointments with greater ease, confidence, and dignity.

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