A new alliance to provide emergency services at Northwest Texas Healthcare System is elevating care, with a focus on minimizing wait times, ensuring best practices and establishing a consistent physician team. David Soria, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, President/CEO of TruePartners Emergency Physicians, explains how his group is working with Northwest, and what it means for the residents of Amarillo.
Q: What distinguishes the new ER approach?
A key component is establishing a team of residency-trained physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine and bring a heightened level of experience and consistency. The goal is to ensure that physicians have an in-depth knowledge of the facility, nurses, paramedics, hospital staff and the community.
Q: What are the benefits of having a consistent physician exam?
With medical emergencies, minutes can save lives. Doctors who are experienced in handling different situations and established in their roles can expedite care and know which specialists to call if more advanced treatment is needed. This helps to support the best possible outcomes and patient experience.
Q: How are you reducing wait times?
Earlier this year, we opened eight new bays, which are individual patient areas with recliners and personal TVs, where patients with less serious conditions can receive medical treatment and await test results. This helps to support faster care and opens up treatment areas for more complex patients or new patients coming in.
Q: What else distinguishes services at Northwest?
Northwest is a Level III Trauma facility and is recognized in the region for its LIFESTAR emergency air transport services. It is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC) as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and has earned Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. Northwest also has the area’s only freestanding ED operated under a hospital license, Northwest Emergency at Town Square.
If you or someone you’re with is experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.