According to a study in the January 2002 Annals of Emergency Medicine,
the average time to see a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner
for most emergency patients is about 56 minutes, while 42 percent of patients
wait more than an hour. But St. Rita's Medical Center is committed to providing
outstanding service, which is why St. Rita's is introducing a 30
Minute ER Pledge. St. Rita's Emergency department pledges that
treatment for patients will begin within 30 minutes of the time they are checked
in.
The 30 Minute ER Pledge at St. Rita's is the first commitment of its kind
in West Central Ohio, reflecting the Medical Center's commitment to quality
care with a quick response. Similar emergency service guarantees have been
successfully implemented in other hospitals around the country.
"We have always believed in putting patients' needs first," says
Dr. William Tucker, Medical Director of Emergency and Trauma
Services at St. Rita's Medical Center. "Naturally that means we must offer
the best quality care possible, and that we must be respectful of their time.
We understand that patients want to begin having their injury or illness treated
as soon as possible. Efficient, effective care is what defines quality emergency
medicine, and that is what the 30 Minute ER Pledge is all about."
If a patient waits longer than 30 minutes at St. Rita's, they will be offered
a choice of a $25 prepaid Speedway gas card, a $25 Lima/Allen County Chamber
of Commerce gift certificate redeemable at a variety of participating area
stores and restaurants, or the option to have a $25 donation made in their
name to the St. Rita's Health Care Foundation.
"We've always been proud of our commitment to providing the best service
possible," says Dr. Tucker. "In
recent months we have increased our resources, streamlined our processes
and upgraded our communications technology within the hospital so that it
is now possible to offer the 30 Minute ER Pledge."
