BEAUMONT- Due to the new Fast Track program, CHRISTUSSt. Elizabeth has a redesigned waiting system in the emergency department.

Now it is no longer only patients with serious injuries or illnesses who can receive immediate care.

“We have a provider that handles the emergency department, so when a patient comes to us seeking medical attention, they will be cared for by a trained nurse or physician assistant within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many people arrive ahead of them,” says Jenny Kelly, administrative director of emergency services at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas.

Minor injuries and illnesses are now given priority treatment.

“Think of anything you would go to the doctor for: a cough, a cold, a child with a mild fever, a small cut that may need stitches, or you sprained your ankle… things like that would be considered a minor illness or injury,” Kelly says.

The shortened waiting times have brought more patients to CHRISTUS.

“On any given day, we see about 160 patients in a 24-hour period. Previously, about 15 to 16 of those were less sick patients. Now we see about 25 to 30 a day,” Kelly says.

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has been running a similar program for years.

“We have a team of nurses who will meet you as soon as you arrive, order the appropriate tests and, depending on the results, discharge you or transfer you to another part of the emergency department,” says Ali Osman, medical director of Baptist’s emergency department.

According to Osman, the fast-track procedure makes a difference in the treatment of patients.

“We are reducing emergency department crowding. Overall, it’s good for the patient and for the community, whether it’s done at Baptist, St. E or a stand-alone emergency department or urgent care center,” Osman says.

Mya Caleb of KFDM/Fox 4 reports.