From Memphis: Methodist North Hospital’s “30 Minute Guarantee”

Methodist North Hospital, a participant in the HQN Increasing Throughput project, implemented a “30-Minute Guarantee” program, which promises Emergency Department patients that they will be seen within one half-hour of their arrival.  Patients who are not seen within the 30-minute time frame receive a gift and a personal apology from Methodist North Hospital’s CEO. The hospital received substantial positive media attention and was lauded by the community for implementing this relatively low-cost program.  The guarantee along with other changes designed to make Emergency Department patient-flow more efficient, are significantly improving the patient experience hospital-wide. Methodist North Hospital is planning future improvements intended to further optimize patient-flow and the overall efficiency of the care it delivers to the Memphis community.  Read the release here.