KHMH Introduces Patient Flow Officers to Improve Emergency Care

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority has introduced Patient Flow Officers to its Accident and Emergency Department in an effort to reduce waiting times and improve the delivery of emergency care.

According to the KHMH, this initiative marks the first time that dedicated officers have been assigned to oversee the movement of patients through the Emergency Department.

The Patient Flow Officers will coordinate the movement of patients from arrival through assessment, treatment, admission or discharge. They will also work closely with clinical teams to monitor patient flow, improve communication and address delays that can slow the delivery of care.

Hospital officials say the initiative is expected to shorten waiting times, speed up bed assignments between the Emergency Department and inpatient wards, improve the turnaround time for laboratory and imaging results, strengthen discharge planning and create a more efficient environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

KHMH Chief Executive Officer Sharine Reyes says long waiting times can negatively affect patient outcomes. She says the new officers will help ensure patients move through the Emergency Department as safely and efficiently as possible.