Two New Specialty Services Provide Around the Clock Coverage
Image Control, Around the Clock
BWH's new NightWatch program provides essential diagnostic radiology services at the point of care for Emergency Department patients, while also making BWH's world-class services available to surrounding community hospitals.
Stephen Ledbetter, MD, chief of the Division of Emergency Radiology, has been instrumental in instituting the Night-Watch program, which staffs the ED with 24-hour attending radiologists. A team of seven radiologists are involved in the NightWatch program. The new program also allows community hospitals to utilize the expertise of BWH radiologists for around the clock image interpretation with the help of teleradiology.
“This is a phenomenal benefit for our staff and patients,” said Ledbetter. “Imaging often determines the plan of action for ED patients, so having our services available at a moment's notice expedites patient care and flow.”
“The program serves as a model of collaboration, professionalism and outstanding service,” said Ron Walls, MD, chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, who explained that others beyond BWH are also reaping the benefits.
“Teleradiology allows for us to provide our expertise and cutting-edge service remotely to other hospitals where this type of consultation is not available during off-shift hours,” said Ledbetter. He explained that interpretations are typically transmitted back to community hospitals within 30 minutes of receipt at BWH. “By providing this service, we anticipate reading about 7,000 studies remotely per year,” added Ledbetter.
Teleradiology also helps the ED prepare for Med Flight transfers. “We can make decisions for patients who are being transported by Med Flight from other hospitals, because we can see their studies before they even arrive,” said Ledbetter.
Emergency Surgical Service Available 24/7
The Department of Surgery's Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery has announced a new service line. The Emergency Surgery Service (ESS), directed by Stephen Ferzoco, MD, will provide attending surgical coverage around the clock for patients from the BWH Emergency Department, inpatient floors and outpatient clinics, as well as those referred from surrounding community hospitals and physicians.
“This is a comprehensive service that will make general surgery consults more accessible,”Ferzoco said.
Enhancements brought about by the new service line include patient follow-up for referring and primary care physicians, availability of attending staff for CME presentations, establishment and evaluation of improved patient care protocols and referrals to appropriate sub specialists. Enhancements brought about by the new service line include patient follow-up for referring and primary care physicians, availability of attending staff for CME presentations, establishment and evaluation of improved patient care protocols and referrals to appropriate sub specialists.