Changes Coming to TVRH Emergency Dept.

[champion6]

The following memo went out on July 14:

To: All Employees, Medical Staff Members and Volunteers

From: Bill Pfingsten, Vice President of Ambulatory Services
Michael Pittman, TVRH Chief Clinical Officer and Site Administrator

Date: July 14, 2017

Subject: TVRH Urgent Care Center Announcement

In an effort to meet the growing demand for Emergency Department (ED) services at The Villages Regional Hospital (TVRH), the TVRH Urgent Care Center will be convened to an ED Overflow Unit effective August 14, 2017. This special unit will enable us to provide more efficient care for patients that have non-life threatening conditions; ultimately reducing overall ED wait times and improving patient satisfaction.

We realize that the current TVRH Urgent Care Center is utilized by many Central Florida Health (CFH) team members. Team members who wish to continue using an in-network urgent care provider still have access to the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Urgent Care facility located adjacent to the hospital near the corner of Dixie Avenue and Rambo Street. Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the construction of another CFH Urgent Care Center in The Villages area. Please look for details of these developments in future communications.

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[Hancle704]

Will it be open 24/7?

[rubicon]

Based on statistics will it be properly staffed 24/7?

[Dan9871]

For the medical types here... Is "ED Overflow Unit" a term of art in hospital facilities? What is it? Is it just a way of adding resources to the ER?

The letter claims it will improve service at the ER. Do you think that this would help?

[villagetinker]

A further question, will the rates be ER rates or Urgent care rates? IMHO, this sounds confusing to the poor patient.

[Dan9871]

A further question, will the rates be ER rates or Urgent care rates? IMHO, this sounds confusing to the poor patient.

My guess is that it won't be Urgent Care rates because the letter says that the current Urgent Care facility won't be there anymore and says that patients needing Urgent care should use the Leesburg facility.

Also this looks like a letter sent to staff not the public. I've got to assume once the change is close TVH will let the public know how things have changed so they won't be coming to TVH for Urgent Care.

[dbussone]

For the medical types here... Is "ED Overflow Unit" a term of art in hospital facilities? What is it? Is it just a way of adding resources to the ER?

The letter claims it will improve service at the ER. Do you think that this would help?



The overflow unit will serve to relieve the pressure on the main ER when it becomes over saturated with patients. Those less acutely ill will be triaged to the overflow area.

If it's staffed and used properly, it should help. My understanding is that the current urgent care center at the hospital was used pretty much the way being described here. So, I'm wondering what this change will do.


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[fred53]

A further question, will the rates be ER rates or Urgent care rates? IMHO, this sounds confusing to the poor patient.

it was a memo to staff/volunteers/etc. not the "poor patient". So while it may sound confusing to you keep in mind it wasn't meant for "you".

[SALYBOW]

for the medical types here... Is "ed overflow unit" a term of art in hospital facilities? What is it? Is it just a way of adding resources to the er?

The letter claims it will improve service at the er. Do you think that this would help?

ed stands for emergency department. It is used rather than emergency room since the departments are becoming so much bigger.

[golfing eagles]

The overflow unit will serve to relieve the pressure on the main ER when it becomes over saturated with patients. Those less acutely ill will be triaged to the overflow area.

If it's staffed and used properly, it should help. My understanding is that the current urgent care center at the hospital was used pretty much the way being described here. So, I'm wondering what this change will do.


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That's the big IF It's not just the number of bodies, it's how efficiently their system is and how hard they are willing to work. From what I've seen, that is the single most important driver of the ER wait time. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any big rush to treat the patients in the ER, from the doctors right down to the clerks

I have blamed this on "shift mentality" for years. Back in the old days (sorry), you were there until your work was done, so you did it. Human nature being what it is, if you have a set time to leave, you tend to watch the clock, and anything that is not done becomes someone else's problem. The solution (for the docs) is simple----if you start a case, you finish the case---and no OT.

[lanabanana73]

If this unit will be like the one my friend works in in Savannah, the patient will be triaged in the ER and have their initial testing. If it is decided you need to be admitted to the hospital, you will go to this "overflow unit" for additional testing and care, while they wait for a bed to open up in the hospital. Then, this overflow unit will transfer you to your room/floor of the hospital and turn over your care to them.

[Challenger]

That's the big IF It's not just the number of bodies, it's how efficiently their system is and how hard they are willing to work. From what I've seen, that is the single most important driver of the ER wait time. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any big rush to treat the patients in the ER, from the doctors right down to the clerks

I have blamed this on "shift mentality" for years. Back in the old days (sorry), you were there until your work was done, so you did it. Human nature being what it is, if you have a set time to leave, you tend to watch the clock, and anything that is not done becomes someone else's problem. The solution (for the docs) is simple----if you start a case, you finish the case---and no OT.

Yes - until the "Union" mentality intervenes.