As of Sept. 17, 116 patients used the program<\/p>\n
Why wait in the hospital when you could wait at home on your couch?<\/p>\n
For a growing number of people, that option is a new reality at Sault Area Hospital \u2013 which launched its new virtual home waiting room program nearly a month ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As of Sept. 17, 116 patients used the program, which places patients in line and notifies them via text about when to physically come into the hospital for triage and care.<\/p>\n
As a new pilot project at the hospital, the program is currently limited to 10 patients per day \u2013 but hospital staff say they hope to expand that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to gradually increase it over time,\u201d said Brandy Sharp Young, director of communications and public affairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are managing patient volumes in both the physical and virtual waiting rooms, and we would like staff to become accustomed to the new workflow before expanding the service.\u201d<\/p>\n
While more serious conditions still merit a trip to the emergency room, the public can make use of the hospital\u2019s new virtual waiting room for a variety of needs:<\/p>\n
\n\tCough, cold, sore throat
\n\tEarache
\n\tRashes
\n\tDental pain
\n\tPrescription renewal
\n\tSuture or staple removal
\n\tMinor cuts and scrapes
\n\tSprains and strains
\n\tBurning with urination
<\/p>\n
Given the number of residents without family doctors, many have come to rely on the emergency department for non-urgent care, Sharp Young said, which has added to the challenges faced by the local hospital and others around the province.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmergency departments across Ontario are facing unprecedented pressures, with increasing volumes, limited resources, and challenges in recruiting and retaining emergency physicians,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, Sharp Young said the program allows the hospital to \u201cstreamline patient flow, reduce peak time congestion, and enhance operational efficiency\u201d by letting patients know when to come in.<\/p>\n
While data is still limited on the program\u2019s impact on wait times and patient flow, it\u2019s already received positive reviews \u2013 which President and CEO Ila Watson addressed at the hospital board meeting earlier this week.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe have some great feedback around improved patient experience, and we know it’s helping us contribute to (patient) flow,\u201d Watson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe’ve had people even indicate that they were dubious, but tried it out, had a good experience, and have let people know.\u201d<\/p>\n