University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center in Richmond Heights, Ohio, opened a fast track emergency room to improve care efficiency, according to cleveland.com.
The 1,800-square-foot fast track ER opened Nov. 13 and treats patients with non-urgent medical needs, such as sinus infections, ankle sprains or dental aches. It features two beds and four recliners, which are each in separate rooms.
The fast track ER decreased the average time patients spend between registering and being discharged by 45 minutes, according to Jolene Crawford, RN, RMC's nurse manager of emergency services.
The main 4,500-square-foot ER is being renovated to include three additional beds, bringing the total number of beds to 15, each in a separate room. The $1 million ER renovation also includes new flooring, painting, a remodeled registration area and expanded doctors and nurses' areas. The renovation is expected to be finished in March.