Emergency Care
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center's Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 by physicians and nurses trained and certified in emergency medicine. Recently, the Department has implemented a Rapid Medical Evaluation program, so patients can be seen faster than ever. Along with the addition of space and beds, this streamlined process has dramatically decreased patient wait times.
This is the essence of McKenzie-Willamette: our ongoing commitment to the needs of our patients in providing responsive and efficient patient-centered care. "Our success is based upon dedicated physician and nurse leaders collaborating with engaged and committed hospital administrators to create a high-performance Emergency Department," says Dr. Desmond Crooks, emergency physician with Cascade Medical Associates. "The results have culminated in shorter wait times, higher quality care, and a more positive patient experience."
The Emergency Department (ED) houses a wide range of equipment and offers patients ready access to advanced technology, such as MRI, CT scan and other Diagnostic Imaging, along with our comprehensive Heart Center. As patients arrive in the ED, they are triaged for treatment. Triage is the process by which individuals are seen based on their need for immediate medical treatment. The ED has implemented innovative strategies to provide high-quality, compassionate patient care, while minimizing wait times.
In June 2007, the hospital completed an ED renovation to support high-quality patient care and staff/ physician efficiencies. Cascade Medical Association physicians staff McKenzie-Willamette's ED 24/7. Their compassion, attention to detail and dedication to patients make this a special place to receive treatment.
In the past 30 years, patient numbers have grown exponentially. As our community population continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important to maintain two full-service emergency departments in the Eugene-Springfield area. This provides choice for our community and the opportunity for emergency care providers to work collaboratively in the event of a disaster.
30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge
What exactly is the 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge?
When patients enter the Emergency Department at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, the time of their arrival is noted. Our pledge is that a physician or clinical professional* will initially see them within 30 minutes of their arrival.
When do the 30 minutes officially start?
The 30 minutes start when the patient checks in with our staff at the Emergency Room desk.
Does the 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge affect how patients are prioritized?
While the goal is to initially see every patient within 30 minutes, the most severe cases will always receive immediate attention.
How is the timeframe of patients' visits documented for this pledge?
When a patient arrives and checks in, the time of arrival is noted. When the physician or clinical professional initially sees the patient, the time is documented by the Emergency Department staff.
What was the average time a patient waited before?
We have been tracking patient wait times for the last year in preparation for the 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge. Our wait times have consistently averaged less than 30 minutes.
Does this mean patients will be on their way home in 30 minutes or less?
No. We will work hard to have a physician or clinical professional initially see our patients and begin their evaluation and treatment within 30 minutes. Depending on the nature of their illness or injury, the duration of each visit will vary.
Is a 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge really necessary for an emergency room?
In many emergency rooms across the country, wait times have been increasing. We want to assure our patients that we are dedicated to not only offering quality care but also providing that care as efficiently as possible.
How can the Emergency Department maintain quality care if speed is the priority?
It is not our objective now, nor will it ever be, to "rush" patients through the Emergency Department. Our process
improvements have been focused on getting patients into a room as quickly as possible and enabling our physician or clinical professional to initially see a patient and begin their diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.
* Disclaimer
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Clinical professional is defined as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
The Emergency Department (ED) average wait time is provided as an informational service to the public. It is approximate, and based on a rolling average that is updated four times an hour and does not represent the actual current activity in the ER waiting room.
The ED wait time represents the time it takes from arrival until a patient is initially seen by a Physician. Patients are triaged upon their arrival in the ED. They are then seen by a Clinical Professional in an order based on their complaint, condition, and the reason for their visit.
While many patients are initially seen by a clinical professional within 30 minutes of their arrival, during some peak times when the number of patients and/or trauma situations exceeds the number of providers or beds, some patients are not initially seen within 30 minutes of their noted arrival.
Should you have any additional questions about our 30-Minute Pledge, please ask any of our Emergency Department staff.
Visiting Guidelines
Family members are allowed to visit patients whenever possible. Due to special situations in an Emergency Department setting, such as severe cases, high volume of patients and special procedures that are performed, family members may be asked to remain in the waiting area, or the number of visitors may be limited. Visitors in the patient care area are asked to always remain at the patient's bedside. With your consent, our staff will make every effort to keep family members and friends informed of your condition and treatment.