Observation unit: Julie Churchman, RN, Andrea Santaloci, R, and PCT Lisa Jackson are some of the team members who keep things moving in Piedmont Henry’s Observation Unit.
The emergency department at a hospital is typically not where anyone hopes to spend their day or evening. However, when you or a loved one are having a medical emergency, you are glad it is there and it is staffed by a caring and compassionate team. Most patients of Piedmont Henry Hospital start their medical journey in the emergency department, which is why some refer to the department as the hospital’s front door. It can be a stressful place, especially when one considers that everyone in the waiting room is not having an ideal day either. Piedmont Henry has consistently been working on improving the experience for patients and visitors and the results are noticeable.
“For our patients who won’t need to be admitted to the hospital, we’ve been able to shave an average of 100 minutes off of their length of stay in the department,” said Katie Lunsford, Director of Emergency Services at Piedmont Henry.
Piedmont Henry’s emergency department is one of the busiest emergency departments in the Piedmont system. The department sees an average of 260 patients a day and their Level III Trauma Bay, which now consists of three beds, sees over 200 patients a month. Physicians and nurses see patients with numerous types of ailments, everything from illnesses and injuries to strokes, heart attacks, and trauma. It is imperative that patients are seen quickly to establish the acuity level of their emergency and address critical issues first.
“We have a fantastic relationship with local EMS providers and often know what is coming in and when,” said Lunsford. “That way we can prepare for situations that need to be addressed immediately.”
One such case is that of Dale Rice, a retired fire captain with City of Atlanta Fire Department, who recognized symptoms of a heart attack while driving on I-75. He exited the interstate and stopped at the closest fire station for assistance.
“From the time I got in the ambulance to the time I was on the table in the cath lab at Piedmont Henry, was 35 minutes,” said Rice, addressing dozens of nurses and leaders at the hospital’s annual nursing awards in May. “Everyone did a fantastic job and, without a doubt, you all saved my life.”
“Our patients will talk to an RN first so that a clinical person lays eyes on everyone that comes through our door,” said Lunsford. “This helps us assess what the best course of action is and makes sure all of our patients feel seen and heard.”
Other recent changes in the department include a department-wide refresh of the décor, the addition of a fourth CT scanner, and the opening of a 16-bay observation unit at the end of January.
In April of 2022, leaders from the Henry County Board of Commissioners and Piedmont Henry discussed potential projects that could use $3.5 Million from the American Rescue Plan Act that would make a significant impact for the hospital and county residents. It was decided that the creation of the observation unit would provide relief to the emergency department, helping provide better outcomes for patients who were not quite ready to be discharged from the department while also reducing wait times for patients hoping to be seen.
“The observation unit has been a big help,” said Lunsford. Patients who may need to have an additional test or two but may not need to be admitted now have this space, which allows the emergency department to see other patients with less of a wait time.”
Lunsford and other hospital leaders understand that some people are reluctant to visit the emergency department out of fear of a long wait, but in many cases, time is of the essence. Health issues that should be treated immediately include chest pain, stroke symptoms (numbness on one side of the body, face, arm, or leg; trouble walking, speaking, and seeing in one or both eyes), excessive, uncontrolled bleeding, and difficulty breathing. Severe stomach pain that is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing up or vomiting blood, dizziness or fainting and vision changes should also be treated immediately.
“If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, come to the emergency department immediately,” said Lunsford. “Those symptoms need to be dealt with swiftly.”
Anything from sprained ankles and fractures to sore throats and ear infections, cuts and falls can be treated at an emergency department, but may be handled faster at an urgent care or walk-in clinic, which are often open later than family doctors’ offices.
“Our emergency department is open to all who need treatment,” said Lunsford. “If you’re unsure if it’s an emergency, we can provide a medical screening exam and stabilizing treatment.”
For more information on emergency services at Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org.