WRMC Earns Accreditation for Geriatric Emergency Care
National recognition highlights commitment to meeting the unique needs of older adults in the emergency department.
WATERTOWN, WI — Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) has earned Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), recognizing the hospital's commitment to providing emergency care that addresses the unique needs of older adults.
As people age, their healthcare needs can change, and an emergency department visit may present additional challenges. Through focused staff education and care practices designed with older adults in mind, WRMC is working to make emergency visits more supportive, comfortable and responsive to patients' needs.
“It's important that we recognize the differences in care all age groups present when they come to the emergency room,” said Dr. Robert Allen, WRMC’s Emergency Department Medical Director. “The accreditation we received from ACEP recognizes our commitment to providing appropriate, thoughtful emergency care for the older adult population in our community.”
Among the initiatives supporting WRMC's accreditation are focused education for emergency department providers and nursing staff, follow-up phone calls for patients over age 65 after their emergency department visits, and access to food and beverages around the clock when medically appropriate. The department has also implemented practices to minimize the use of urinary catheters when they are not necessary.
“These efforts are about paying attention to the details that can make a difference in a patient's safety and experience,” said Leanne Seifert, RN, Director of Emergency Services. “From making sure our staff understand the needs of older adults to checking in with patients after they leave the emergency department, our team is focused on providing compassionate care and helping patients feel supported throughout their visit and while recovering at home.”
These initiatives reflect an approach to emergency care that considers more than immediate medical concerns. By supporting patients' comfort, promoting appropriate care practices and following up after visits, WRMC aims to provide older adults and their families with added confidence in the care they receive.
This accreditation reinforces WRMC's commitment to providing high-quality emergency services close to home for Watertown residents and the surrounding communities. Also included in that commitment is WRMC's recent partnership with Emergency Medicine Specialists (EMS), the physician group providing emergency services at the hospital. Since arriving in May, patients visiting the emergency room have benefited from the proven care protocols, efficient workflows, and evidence-based approaches brought to Watertown by EMS.
For more information about emergency services at Watertown Regional Medical Center, visit watertownregional.com/er.