Emergency department

Emergency room team

Delivering exceptional emergency care requires adaptability, teamwork and a commitment to using resources wisely. The Bonnyville Health Centre’s emergency department’s staff deliver exceptional emergency care, through adaptability, teamwork and a commitment to using resources wisely. They regularly implement creative solutions to improve efficiency, maintain high-quality care and support both patients and colleagues in a demanding environment.

When faced with high patient volumes and limited space, the team reorganized patient rooms and created temporary care areas ensuring everyone received treatment. They implemented a patient rounding schedule to compensate for the lack of call bells in these areas. By streamlining bed coordination and using secure chat technology, they improved patient flow and reduced wait times.

In addition to operational improvements, the team prioritizes professional development and shared their learnings. Nurses introduced "stop the bleed" kits, developed hands-on training simulations and volunteered at rural healthcare skills days to mentor future health care providers. Unit clerks played a crucial role increasing hand hygiene compliance and they developed a streamline process for isolation signage, further improving safety and workflow.

By implementing shift huddles during regular intervals, the team distributed patient tasked appropriately and with less duplication of efforts. Additionally, missed breaks decreased by 58 per cent while ensuring seamless patient care.

Their dedication to problem-solving has allowed the department to remain fully operational, even as neighboring emergency departments faced multiple closures. The team's commitment to stewardship has had a profound impact on patients, staff, and visitors, fostering a culture of efficiency, collaboration and continuous improvement.