Calvert hospital unveils 30-minute ER pledge
More staff, extra space and new technology speed care
Timesaving technology plays a major role in speeding care at Calvert Memorial Hospital's emergency department. Digital radiography eliminates X-ray film and allows ER physicians like Dr. Andrew Skiendzielewski to see images instantly and start treatment. Pictured in the background is the computerized tracking system that keeps tabs on what is being done for each patient, minute-by-minute.
Calvert Memorial Hospital announced this week that it is rolling out a 30-Minute ER Pledge: emergency patients will begin to receive treatment within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital.
"This is our commitment to the 40,000 people who come through our ER doors each year -- to provide faster, better care in a more comfortable environment," said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis.
"While patients with life-threatening conditions are always seen right away," he said, "the recent changes we've made enable us to treat everyone faster now."
Timesaving technology added during the recent expansion, said Xinis, plays a major role in speeding care. A computerized tracking system keeps tabs on what is being done for each patient, minute-by-minute. Digital radiography eliminates X-ray film and allows physicians to see images instantly and start treatment.
Equally important, he said, are the amenities that have been added to increase privacy and comfort. The new emergency department features all private glass-fronted treatment rooms, each with its own flat screen TV and telephone and more space for visitors.
Patients are given pagers upon check-in that light up when it is their turn. Nearby is a café with light drinks and snacks. Decorated in rainbows and stars, the new pediatric waiting room is a cheerful, child-friendly place for families to read or watch TV.
"We recognize that the emergency department is where the majority of the people in our community connect with the hospital," said Xinis. "We want to communicate clearly with our customers about what they can expect. We are committed to delivering what we pledge."
Early in the planning process for the expansion, the hospital held focus groups to get patient feedback. "Two things were very clear," said Xinis, "Our patients wanted shorter waits and to be kept informed during the treatment process."
"We feel our 30-Minute ER Pledge tackles these issues head-on," he said. So, how does it work? Basically, within 30 minutes of signing in, patients are seen and evaluated by a triage nurse. The nurse, who has specialized training in the assessment of medical problems, can initiate X-rays, lab work and other tests needed in order to get the patient's treatment started.
Depending on the nature of the problem, a patient may be treated in the hospital's fast track area, designed to care for those with minor injuries or illnesses, or the main emergency department. Once the patient is in an exam bed, he or she will be re-evaluated by a staff nurse and then by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Further tests may be ordered at this time.
Registration is completed at the patient's bedside. If someone does not have insurance, the staff can provide information about local resources available to assist them. "Every step of the way, we tell our patients to let us know if they need something or have questions," said Barbara Polak, vice president for clinical services.
"Some tests take quite a bit of time to complete," said Polak. "We may also need to consult with a specialist." Depending on the results, the patient may be transferred, admitted to the hospital or discharged home with instructions for follow-up care.
"The 30-minute pledge is a goal we constantly strive for," said Polak but she concedes there may be times when the wait is slightly longer. "The nature of emergency medicine means that critical patients will always be treated before others that are less serious, even if they have been waiting almost a half-hour," she said.
When this does happen, the patient will receive a letter of apology from the hospital president and a free gift as a thank you for their patience and understanding.
Decorated in rainbows and stars, the pediatric waiting area at Calvert Memorial Hospital is a child-friendly place for parents to read or watch TV with their little ones. Pictured is Heidi Vanesselstyn with son 4-year-old Brooks.
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Calvert Memorial Hospital
100 Hospital Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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