Logistics and patient survival rates

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Hi Everybody,

I'm new to the forum and just starting a career in Nursing. I registered with the forum because of a recent group discussion I was involved with regarding hospitalization and logistics. Given I am not a doctor, nurse, or administrator, I could not support my position but only provide opinion. The person offering a counter opinion was a former enlisted man (army).

If possible, I am hoping to get responses from ER and ICU nurses in the Philadelphia area.

The subject matter was the privatization and downgrading of a small local hospital.

I took the position that by privatizing and downgrading our hospital, we would be hurting the community because all future emergency patients would be shipped out to other hospitals 30 minutes away. Currently, our ER and ICU does ship some patients deemed in need of more critical care. In addition, I mentioned the adverse affects of the privatization to a large University Hospital in Philadelphia.

The counter argument posed was that we have ambulances that can ferry those patients needing an ER or ICU. If the patient needs more immediate care, they can be air lifted to the nearest hospital. In regards to the privatizing of the University Hospital, the counter argument was there were more than enough Hospitals in the area. If more beds were needed, patients could be airlifted to surrounding hospitals.

So my question is, "What are the real logistics of patient survival rates given the loss of local treatment?" I am sure that the counter argument is all based on military experience. However, I could not seems to make him understand that is not the way it works in civilian life.

Thanks in advance - Nito

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

I'm not sure if this is the answer you are looking for but here it goes:

I'm currently doing a basic trauma CEU. In the event a trauma pt is esablished, there is the golden hour (1 hour) from time of accident to trauma hospital for increased survival. Is this hospital a trauma center? "He" may be coming at it from such an angle.

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Hi Sharon,

Thanks for replying. No our local hospital is not a Trauma center. We live in a farming community, the Trauma centers are located in more densely populated towns. Our ER handles stroke, cardio irregularities, abdominal problems, poison, minor accidents, broken bones, etc. I am not sure, if the staff at our local hospital, is equipped to handle serious trauma or head injuries.

Based on your comment, can I assume my opinion is in error?

Thanks in advance - Nito

I'm not sure if this is the answer you are looking for but here it goes:

I'm currently doing a basic trauma CEU. In the event a trauma pt is esablished, there is the golden hour (1 hour) from time of accident to trauma hospital for increased survival. Is this hospital a trauma center? "He" may be coming at it from such an angle.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
Hi Sharon,

Thanks for replying. No our local hospital is not a Trauma center. We live in a farming community, the Trauma centers are located in more densely populated towns. Our ER handles stroke, cardio irregularities, abdominal problems, poison, minor accidents, broken bones, etc. I am not sure, if the staff at our local hospital, is equipped to handle serious trauma or head injuries.

Based on your comment, can I assume my opinion is in error?

Thanks in advance - Nito

No not at all, I was just trying to understand the oppositions of view. Carry on!!!

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