Patients Experience Reduced Wait Times at Guelph General Hospital
Guelph General Hospital has announced a significant reduction in off-loading times for patients transported to the hospital by ambulance. Last October, the average delay was 4.9 hours, but this has now been reduced by an average of 42 minutes as of June.
The hospital attributes this improvement to the strong collaboration between Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services and its own teams. Melissa Skinner, the hospital’s vice-president of patient services and chief nursing executive, expressed her satisfaction with the teams’ efforts to find innovative solutions to optimize patient care.
Off-load delays have been a pressing political issue in Ontario, with reports of long queues of ambulances waiting to drop off patients. While staff shortages have been cited as a contributing factor, the main cause of delays at Guelph General Hospital was the increased number of patients requiring admission. The hospital saw a significant rise, from around 40,000 visits per year to almost 60,000, overwhelming their emergency department.
In addition to the collaboration with paramedic services, the hospital plans to hire a new offload nurse and redevelop the emergency department’s space. These measures aim to further reduce wait times for patients and improve the overall quality of care.
Stephen Dewar, chief of Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services, expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative effort put forth by paramedics and hospital staff. With the implementation of improved processes, their skilled teams can spend more time responding to calls, ensuring the community receives the care they need.
The reduction in off-load delays also means that doctors and nurses can now focus on providing prompt treatment to patients. The hospital staff, who strive to deliver the best possible care every day, have expressed their relief at having the space and resources to do so.
Hospital officials assure that they will continue to monitor and adapt as necessary to maintain minimal off-load times. This dedicated effort will enable doctors and nurses to prioritize patient care and optimize their services.
This positive development at Guelph General Hospital demonstrates the commitment to improving patient experiences and highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers. As the hospital continues to make advancements, patients can expect further enhancements to their overall care.
Sources:
– Guelph General Hospital: [insert link]
– Global News: [insert link]