A new fast track is now open to patients in the Emergency Department at Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH).

"This innovative approach to emergency care allows us to separate patients with more minor injuries so they’re treated and released quicker," says Douglas Chesson, MD, interim medical director of EJCH’s Emergency Department and assistant professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.

The fast track is staffed by a mid-level practitioner and nurse at all times. The area provides medical care for patients with minor illnesses and injuries such as: ear aches, cough symptoms, sore throat, back pain, minor lacerations, bites, stings and allergic reactions, rashes and prescription refills.

Walt Wiley, MHA, RN, director of Emergency Services and Nursing Support says streamlining low acuity patients is expected to cut down wait times and length of stay for discharged patients without increasing wait times for admitted patients.

"Our clinical staff sees on average 80 patients a day in the Emergency Department," says Wiley. "We’re confident that this expansion will allow us to improve patient flow, efficiency and consistently provide exceptional care to the community."

EJCH’s fast track includes seven new beds and is open Monday – Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.