In response to increasing patient complexity and limited treatment space in the 35-bed ED, Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital’s emergency department nurses identified an opportunity to

Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital Emergency Department

redesign patient flow. Through shared decision-making, the team implemented an internal waiting room supported by a dedicated Rapid Assessment Zone charge nurse which enabled appropriate patients to move from treatment rooms while remaining under active nursing supervision to preserve capacity for newly arriving patients. This nurse-led innovation reduced length of stay for low-acuity patients by 11 minutes, decreased the number of patients who left without being seen to less than 1 percent and enhanced the overall patient experience.

Building on this commitment to improving patient flow, the Shared Leadership Team developed a No-Wait Handoff process to eliminate delays associated with traditional bedside reporting. Standardized communication supports the safe, seamless transfer of clinical information while allowing patients to progress immediately to the next phase of care. This innovation decreased admit-to-depart time by 16 minutes while optimizing treatment space, improving care transitions and reducing unnecessary delays. The department’s culture of continuous improvement empowers nurses to evaluate existing practices, implement evidence-informed solutions and sustain improvements that enhance patient access, safety and the overall emergency care experience.