Express unit to help decrease wait time

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford's new Express Admission and Discharge Unit (EADU) is designed to increase patient and physician satisfaction by decreasing wait times for admissions.

The unit is housed in the area formerly known as Med/Surg West on the first floor adjacent to the Siratt Women's Center. The unit was completely remodeled.

The 10-bed unit will care for patients admitted through the Emergency Department when beds are not available, as well as direct admits to the hospital when the designated nursing unit is full. The unit also has a discharge lounge for patients who have been discharged, but are waiting for transportation or supplies. The lounge has four recliners, a plasma TV, a computer with Internet access as well as a mini kitchen with snacks and beverages to accommodate patients.

"Making beds more readily available throughout the hospital will allow physicians to admit their patients in a timely manner and will decrease the wait time for patients admitted through the ED," said Pam Gervais, nurse manager of the Cardiac Step-down Unit (CSU) and the Progressive Care Unit (PCU).

Opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the EADU is staffed with four full-time nurses and is equipped to care for a variety of patients with the exception of acute cardiac care, acute stroke or intensive care.

"The entire hospital staff has been very supportive and instrumental in opening the unit - from nurses and patient care techs to employees in Environmental Services," said Gervais. "Everyone has been great. Before we opened the unit, we held an open house so staff members could tour the facilities," added Gervais, "and we welcomed our first patient, a discharge patient, with a gift on Feb. 2."