Emergency Services

Many of the barriers to effective emergency care systems are also barriers to effective population health management and the Associations’ vision of an optimally healthy society.  Prehospital care and services, emergency department crowding, alternate destinations and treatment sites as well as post-acute transfer options impact the effectiveness of emergency departments and the ability of residents to receive the right care at the right time in the right place.

To support member concerns the Hospital Council will:

1. Promote technology solutions including telemedicine, technology-based health monitoring, and health information exchange (HIE) development
2. Advocate for positive EMS policies in areas such as ambulance patient off-load delay (APOD), specialized ED designations, first responder expectations and disaster preparedness
3. Advocate for increased access to primary and specialty care, alternate destination and treatment options to decrease avoidable ED visits and increased ED discharge/referral options.
4. Advocate with local stakeholders in support of the CHA Emergency Care Systems Initiative to develop a framework for effective emergency services which improves care, consumer and provider satisfaction and reduces cost.
5. Advocate for an increase in community resources for pre- and post-acute care services including social support services to decrease avoidable ED visits, behavioral health ED visits and social admissions.