Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital Emergency Department

Greenville, South Carolina

The emergency department at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital implemented a number of measures to further prevent workplace violence. Equipment and systems include Humane Shield, bite gloves placed for quick access, and alerts to hospital law enforcement when individuals with a history of violence arrive on campus, enabling proactive safety measures. Staff can activate an ED lockdown if needed, and personal panic-button badges provide immediate alerts to security and leadership. Metal detectors, visitor screening, FastPass badges and zero-tolerance signage help maintain a secure environment. Team members complete CPI de-escalation training and participate in safety drills. In 2025, employee safety favorability increased to 70.5 percent, up from 63.68 percent in 2024, reflecting growing staff confidence.

The department also worked to significantly reduce the left without being seen rate, which averaged 3.2 percent in 2023 and prompted a performance improvement initiative with a goal of reducing the rate to below 2.0 percent. Key strategies included implementing direct bedding and expanding nurse practitioner coverage in triage. Structured workflows, advanced nursing protocols, clear staff roles and physician collaboration ensured timely assessment and treatment. When capacity in the 104-bed ED was reached, triage NPs completed medical screening exams and initiated orders to maintain flow and safety. Staff engagement and evidence-based education supported adoption. As a result, LWBS decreased to an average of 0.93 percent in the current fiscal year to date.