Enhanced ER at Weiss Memorial Hospital Brings Needed Relief

The winter season brings with it the flu and other cold weather-induced ailments.

Weiss Memorial Hospital is better able to accommodate neighbors in need of treatments for seasonal symptoms with its enhanced emergency room. The Weiss ER now has patient navigation updates as well as senior-friendly and stroke-advanced certified care.

With one of the shortest ER wait times in Chicago, Weiss’ ER treats illnesses ranging from broken bones to life-threatening injuries and more minor medical emergencies. For patients with nonlife-threatening illness and injury, Weiss has introduced a new tool to increase convenience for patients.

“Every emergency room sees a number of people who are coming in with nonlife-threatening emergencies,” says Mary Shehan, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer. “Earlier this year we introduced online ER check-in, which gives patients with nonlife-threatening emergencies the option to check in online and wait at home, rather than in the ER waiting room. This has been a great satisfier for people coming in with more minor conditions. In fact, every patient surveyed who used the online ER check-in has said they would recommend this service.”

Weiss is also developing ways to improve healthcare continuity for patients, as many patients who visit the ER report not having a primary care physician.

“We’re adding a dedicated patient navigator to the ER team who will help people get better connected with the health resources they need after they leave the ER,” Shehan says. “The navigator will improve continuum of care for patients and help manage any questions they may have from their ER visit.”

Enhancements also emphasize the needs of older adults. Weiss sees more than 23,000 visits to the Weiss Emergency Room each year and more than 16 percent of these patients are over the age of 65. Some of the senior-friendly improvements that will benefit all patients to the ER:

• New safety & privacy features: Seamless non-skid flooring, remodeled bathrooms, new privacy curtains

• New comfort features: Pillow speakers, larger nurse call buttons, new overhead lights, new dimmer light, new televisions, pressure-reducing mattresses

• New room equipment: Reading glasses, new phones, new recliners

As part of its treatment for more serious medical conditions, Weiss recently has been focusing on increasing access to stroke care for those in the community. Late last year, Weiss earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

“We have a dedicated team for stroke care in the ER,” notes Khalid Malik, M.D., medical director of the Emergency Department at Weiss. “Getting prompt emergency medical care for a stroke is important. Enhancing stroke care access in the community will be a great benefit to seniors because your risk of stroke doubles each decade after you reach age 55.”

For more information on Weiss’ new ER and its enhancements, visit Weiss online or call (800) 503-1234.