( Tarpon Springs , FL ) Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital , Tarpon Springs, is reinventing the way it provides medical treatment. When you walk through the door, your emergency care will begin within five minutes. That’s the concept and service promise behind the “No-Wait ER.”


“I am very excited about the No Wait ER initiative,” said Bruce Bergherm, President & CEO. “Helen Ellis leadership, physicians, and emergency department managers are monitoring performance on a daily basis, working to fine-tune the process to meet community needs.”



“We’ve worked very hard to have the right players in place to make sure we are successful and working as a team,” said Jackie Pearson, RN, Emergency Services Director at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital . “We’re always asking ourselves: What’s the right thing to do for our patients?”



The “No-Wait ER” is focused on shortening patient treatment times. It is measured from when a patient enters the emergency room to when a patient begins assessment, with a goal of five minutes or less. That means no more long waits in the emergency room lobby.


Months of work has gone into fine tuning of the care delivery. “Every aspect of the emergency care delivery process has been under the microscope to assure we are delivering the highest quality service in the most efficient manner,” said Ms. Pearson.



Virtually every clinical and support department within the hospital has had a role in preparing for the No Wait ER program - from the emergency room physician and nursing staff, all clinical departments and patient care units to non-clinical departments, such the business office and information services.



“Even with the emphasis on efficient and timely services, our emergency department staff will continue to place highest priority on caring for our sickest patients first, which may mean from time to time the ‘No-Wait ER’ will be missed. When this occurs, a service recovery plan is in place with strong emphasis on continuing communication with patients and family members.”


In anticipation of the “No-Wait ER,” the hospital has redesigned its emergency room work flow and created additional triage space. “We understand when you turn to us for emergency care you are putting your trust in us during a very emotional time,” said Ms. Pearson. “Our team’s willingness to try new methods and then be empowered to make changes along the way is what’s making all the difference.”



“Our commitment is to provide ER services so that patients feel they were in and out quickly and their medical needs and concerns were addressed in a professional and friendly manner,” concluded Bruce Bergherm.
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