Admission and Discharge Unit: Erie Shores Health Care Experience

Author(s): Kristin Kennedy, Katelyn Dryden, Neelu Sehgal, Rashoo Brar, Matt Bessey, Holly Kettle, Patti Fields, & Munira Sultana

Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) has effectively addressed key challenges in Canadian Emergency Departments, including overcrowding and long treatment times that impact patient care and staff morale. To combat these issues, ESHC launched an innovative Admission Discharge Unit (ADU) pilot project in December 2023. This initiative aimed to create a scalable model that reduces dependence on traditional funded-bed approaches while upholding high-quality standards and enhancing access. The ADU model alleviated emergency congestion by minimizing bottlenecks and optimizing resource allocation, leading to improved hospital efficiency and a shorter idle time for beds. As a result, the pilot project facilitated quicker admissions, boosted patient satisfaction, and reduced the hospital's overall cost of care. This strategic move not only improved patient outcomes but also helped mitigate burnout among healthcare providers, addressing the pressing needs of the post-pandemic healthcare environment.