Anniston, AL – The City of Anniston has highlighted the significant advancements made by the Regional Medical Center (RMC) following the transition of emergency services from RMC Stringfellow Campus to RMC Anniston earlier this year. While the Stringfellow Campus continues to offer outpatient procedures and ambulatory care, the consolidation of emergency services has resulted in improved operational efficiency, enhanced patient experiences, and higher satisfaction ratings.
Since the transition on July 19, 2024, RMC Anniston has seen a remarkable 36% increase in daily emergency visits. Despite the increased demand, the hospital has achieved faster care delivery, including a 28% reduction in the average time it takes for patients to see a provider and a 40% decrease in the time it takes for patients to be assigned a bed. These improvements have also contributed to a 19% reduction in the average length of stay for discharged patients and a significant 33% decrease in the number of patients leaving without being seen.
In addition to operational gains, RMC has prioritized enhancing the overall patient experience. A 114% increase in the hospital’s net promoter score reflects a higher likelihood of patients recommending RMC to others. Patients have reported greater satisfaction with wait times, the quality of care received, time spent with providers, and explanations provided by the medical team. These improvements highlight the hospital’s commitment to ensuring a positive experience for every patient.
The success of RMC’s transition stems from several targeted initiatives. Increased staffing has bolstered the hospital’s capacity to manage higher patient volumes, while the implementation of 24-hour triage flow nurses has ensured continuous care and efficient patient flow. The creation of a “Fast Track” area for lower-acuity cases has expedited treatment and discharge for minor conditions, allowing staff to focus on higher-acuity patients. Behavioral health services have also been enhanced, with daily rounds conducted by a psychiatric nurse practitioner alongside ER leadership and administrators to facilitate timely admissions, discharges, and transfers. Additionally, the introduction of a Patient Advocate Program has further strengthened communication and patient satisfaction.
The improvements at RMC reflect the hospital’s dedication to providing high-quality emergency care for the community. By reducing wait times, enhancing patient experiences, and streamlining operations, RMC has reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a trusted healthcare provider for northeast Alabama.
The City of Anniston commended the leadership and staff of RMC for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing the positive impact these changes have had on the community. These advancements ensure that residents continue to receive timely and effective treatment, even during periods of increased demand.
The Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston (RMC) is a premier regional healthcare provider serving a five-county area in northeast Alabama. With 463 inpatient beds, numerous outpatient facilities, and a diverse team of over 2,000 employees and volunteers, RMC offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including cardiac, orthopedic, oncology, women’s health, and emergency care. For more information, visit www.rmccares.org.
