Scripps Encinitas: State of the Art ER

Several months ago I attended a lecture put on by Scripps Encinitas.  They were inviting donors and community to hear about what's new in medicine.  The topic of the evening was Dr. Erik Topol, and digitized medicine.  It was fascinating to find out that the IPhone will be the key player in the "new" medicine, and that many applications are already being used.  I met Lindsay Peterson at this event.  She works in fundraising and community outreach, so I asked her about conducting a tour for my Newcomers group.  She was happy to oblige.  Thanks Lindsay, for putting together such an interesting and informative tour.

Scripps is a non profit hospital, and just celebrated its 50th birthday.  We were lucky enough to tour the new Leichtag Critical Care Unit, part of the ER at Scripps Encinitas.  Our guide was Dr. Lovell, past chairman of the ER, and an ER doctor for 30 years.  He was personable and informative, answered all our questions, and then some.  He told us that ER services are growing at 3% per year.  I don't know why that is, but what it means is that ER facilities are busting at the seams, even the new ones.  One of the goals at Scripps Encinitas is to have no ER patient wait more than 30 minutes for treatment.  It's a lofty goal.  We noticed no patients in the waiting room.  They have three triage rooms, and patients are admitted at the front desk, then taken to a triage room as soon as possible.  One thing was noticeable-QUIET.  The waiting rooms, halls, in fact everything, is very quiet, even when they're busy.  Doctors do not wear pagers, and very rarely do you hear any announcements over the PA.  Each doctor and nurse has a monitor, which is a method of silent communication, thus reducing noise.

I asked about the use of IPhone technology (Dr. Topol) at Scripps, since Dr. Topol is on staff at Scripps.  Dr. Lovell told us they are using the IPhone for certain situations, and they are giving faster and better care.  Another new development, is the use of a "hospitalist."  This is a relatively new position.  It's a doctor who handles care for groups of patients.  The main doctor oversees treatment, and the hospitalist manages the care of many patients.  The purpose is to eliminate was and save time and money.

Finally, Dr. Lovell spoke about Scripps Encinitas nationally acclaimed rehabilitation center.  Their brain trauma center is second to none, and was used early in the Iraq war for recovering soldiers.  Even though the construction on the new ER has just been completed, they are already full.  Their expansion will add two more operating rooms.  When more expansion takes place is unknown right now.  Just know that you have a state of the ER in your own backyard, and if you ever need it, they're there to serve you.  Let's hope you don't need them!