Page 14 - WCFL Fall 2017

of the unique features are: (1) ceiling lights
have dimmers to eliminate glare, (2) non-
skid flooring has been installed for patient
safety, (3) thicker and more comfortable
stretcher pads are in each treatment room,
(4) hearing and visual aids are available if
I see many people in my emergency room needed, (5) larger screen TVs are in each
over the age of 60 due to falls that result room, (6) a separate waiting room is now
in broken bones, urinary tract infections, available, (7) several designated parking
symptoms of a possible heart attack, or spaces outside the ED entrance, and (8)
facial and side paralysis that might mean more comfortable side chairs for family
a stroke. Most times there are many other members accompanying these patients. The
issues that factor into what is going on with overall patient care experience will match
a patient and we have to be detectives of a the timely evidence based, goal oriented
sort to pinpoint exactly what is happening care given throughout the ED.
and correctly diagnose and treat the elder Our physicians, nurses and registration staff
patient.
are well-equipped to treat not only immedi-
At St. Petersburg General Hospital, all ate medical concerns, but also underlying
emergencies matter and we want the issues that affect patients’ long-term health
patient experience to be as comfortable as and wellness. They have all received, and
possible. Older adults continue to be our continue to be educated in, specialized
fastest-growing patient population and, ac- geriatric training. The training focuses on
cording to U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly needs specific to seniors, such as home
23 percent of the population in Pinellas assistance, medication review and involve-
County is age 65 or older. St. Petersburg ment of caregivers. We recognize the
General Hospital mirrors that statistic with uniqueness of this patient population and
1 in 5 (20%) emergency room patients age the importance of having the right environ-
60 or older. ment for our seniors. With the baby boomer
To better serve our community, we have generation aging we are prepared and
designed a first-of-its-kind specially focused ready to meet this growing challenge.
Senior Care emergency room to meet We look forward to serving more of our
senior patients' needs – in an environ- seniors in Pinellas County with quality and
ment focused on comfort and safety. The compassionate care.
special exam/treatment rooms have a host
of amenities that take into consideration
the needs of our aging population. Some

14 HEALTH, WELLNESS & SERVICES