Newton Medical Center Emergency Department Atlantic Health System
Newton, New Jersey
Newton Medical Center Emergency Department Atlantic Health System
Newton Medical Center has undertaken multiple initiatives within its care area to better serve its community. From 2023 to 2024, the 58-bed department achieved a 71 percent reduction in door-to-needle times for administering Tenecteplase to stroke patients. A dedicated stroke bay established within the ED is used exclusively for stroke cases once a code stroke is activated. Strategically located near the CT scanner, the stroke bay enables rapid patient transfer and minimizes delays in imaging completion. The bay is equipped with TNK, a floor scale and tele-neurology capabilities. This allows for streamlined and efficient stroke care. These enhancements have effectively reduced treatment delays and improved workflow. Notably, in the last two quarters of 2024, the department reached 100 percent compliance in obtaining CT scan interpretations within the targeted 45-minute window.
Additionally, the department introduced a dedicated psychiatric safe space to better care for patients in psychiatric crisis. This specially designed six-bed area prioritizes both patient and team safety, creating a secure and calming environment. Team safety is supported with panic alarms, a sally port entry and video surveillance. Since its implementation, restraint usage and the elopement rate have decreased.