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Copley ED Makes ChangesContact: Jill Baker, 888-830202/18/2008
For Immediate Release
Beginning early March patients and visitors to Copley’s Emergency Department will notice several changes. The first, an enhancement of a current service, is in the process in which patients register. “Instead of checking at the Admissions Desk for triage care all patients will be met by a Triage Nurse at the time of arrival,” states, Rick Watters, Senior Director Patient Care Services. Watters explained that currently patients check in at the Admissions Desk, and from there are seen by a Triage Nurse. “Of course, the process is different depending on how a patient arrives, or their condition,” continued Watters. Watters is referring to a patient that arrives via ambulance, or if they are in need of urgent care.
The second change is a structural improvement. “In order to make the admitting process more efficient and patient friendly, we will be making some minor facility renovations that will provide for a private room for triage care – an area located upon entering the Emergency Department.” Watters explained that triaging is currently being provided in an area outside the ER. “Not only will patients be assessed in a more comfortable and private area, but those with more serious conditions will be registered at the bedside by a representative of the Admissions staff.”
For those wondering what triage is, Watters explains the main purpose is to expedite care. Triage is a standard of care for patients arriving at an emergency department. Goals of the service include:
- quickly identify patients with urgent, life-threatening conditions;
- determine the most appropriate treatment area for patients;
- decrease congestion in emergency treatment areas and
- provide information to patients and families regarding services, expected care and waiting times.
The last notable changes are focused on safety and privacy. In an on-going effort to improve patient safety and privacy, the hospital will be asking all visitors to stop at the Admissions Desk before entering the Emergency Department’s patient care area. “There may be times, depending on the patient’s condition, i.e. cardiac event or auto accident, that the number of visitors will be at the discretion of our emergency staff. Realizing this is a change for our community members, we do hope our guests [visitors] see this as a positive change that ensures safety for everyone - our patients as well as staff and visitors to Copley’s Emergency Department.”
Contact Information
Jill Baker
Project Coordinator
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8302
marketing@chsi.org
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