#United States #Adena Health #Chillicothe #Emergency Medical Services #Patient Transport

Adena Health Launches New Patient Transport Service

Adena Health has announced the commencement of its own patient transport service, aimed at increasing efficiency in medical transfers between its hospitals. This initiative has been prompted by feedback from the community regarding the need for streamlined transport processes, enabling quicker access to care. The newly established Adena Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will complement existing private transport services and is set to play a crucial role in improving patient experiences.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently, officials shared the plan to officially begin operations in mid-February. Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham emphasized the significance of this new service, stating, "This is a game changer that will further reduce wait times for our patients," illustrating the institution's commitment to enhancing patient care through innovation.

The service will facilitate patient transfers within Adena’s network, which spans across hospitals located in Chillicothe, Greenfield, Washington Court House, and Waverly. Notably, the EMS will also assist in transporting patients between hospitals and local nursing home facilities, further addressing the community's transport needs.

The fleet consists of two ambulances dedicated exclusively to internal transfers. These vehicles will not respond to emergency 911 calls or transport patients to facilities outside of the Adena network, allowing Adena to maintain its partnership with private transport services for external needs.

Adena Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Shaheed Koury remarked that the new EMS unit will benefit the nine counties served by Adena Health, enhancing accessibility and efficiency across the board. The service aims to transform the way patients navigate hospital transfers by significantly shortening waiting periods. Additionally, this initiative is expected to open up more rooms in emergency departments and inpatient units, alleviating some pressure from busy facilities.

Operating 24/7, the EMS will function from a dispatch center located within the emergency department at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. The dispatchers, well-acquainted with the local communities, will maximize the service's effectiveness by quickly responding to transport needs.

This development springs from years of exploration about the viability of an in-house ambulance service, culminating in this rollout with the aid of a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and support from the Adena Health Foundation. Key players in this initiative, such as Josh Riley, EMS liaison, and Brooke Johnson, director of emergency services, have adapted a detailed business plan to guide the service.

Brooke Johnson expressed optimism about the new service's potential, projecting that Adena EMS could manage approximately 75% of internal transport needs. This, she mentioned, will significantly benefit patients and their families, as well as healthcare providers.

Overall, Adena Health’s new transport service symbolizes a landmark improvement in their operational approach, focusing on patient-centric care that prioritizes efficiency and accessibility. For more information on Adena Health's services and updates about their initiatives, visit Adena.org or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).

About Adena Health

Adena Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization that has been serving its community for over 125 years. With a workforce of over 4,200 employees, including physicians and advanced practitioners, they operate multiple facilities across several counties in southern Ohio, offering a wide range of medical services including emergency care, specialized treatment, and wellness programs. Their commitment to community health and innovative care solutions exemplifies their mission, "called to serve our communities."