A New Option for Minor Emergency Care: William Newton Hospital Fast Track Opens Doors

Mar 27, 2024

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Residents in the greater Cowley County area now have a new option for convenient, high-quality healthcare with the opening of the William Newton Hospital Fast Track within the emergency department (ED).

“For those with minor emergencies, the Fast Track offers a welcoming environment, extended hours, and a streamlined process to get you the treatment you need, when you need it,” explains William Newton Hospital Emergency Department Manager Cassie Stein, BSN, RN, EMT.

In 2023, the William Newton Hospital emergency department experienced record volumes, nearly reaching 10,000 patient visits. To alleviate some of the increased strain on our emergency care staff, Stein, alongside William Newton Hospital Director of Plant Operations Garret Randel, the ED team, and hospital administration worked to find solutions to improve patient flow.

Stein explains that all patients presenting to the emergency department for care will check in at admissions as usual and then go through an initial screening with a nurse or paramedic. Patients will then be placed in a triage level appropriate for their condition: life-threatening, serious, or less serious.

“With current ED volumes averaging 28-30 patients a day with peak times having more than 10 patients arriving in a short amount of time, this can cause those with less emergent concerns to have to wait an extended period to be seen by a provider,” continues Stein. “The new Fast Track will be staffed by a second provider to see the less-emergent patients while the ED provider cares for those with a more emergent concern.”

The Fast Track will treat a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including:

• Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections
• Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
• Earaches and sore throats
• Allergies and sinus infections
• Sprains, strains, and broken bones

Located in a repurposed space connected to the emergency department, the Fast Track will be open Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to start with. Evening hours and availability on the weekend provide an option when primary care offices are closed. On-site diagnostic testing services including X-ray and lab will be used.

Jennifer Owen, APRN, will be the lead full-time provider at the Fast Track. Owen has been with William Newton Hospital since 2008 most recently as the medical/surgical floor nursing manager.

“Jennifer has experience working with patients of all ages and is excited to help provide new services to Winfield and surrounding communities,” shares William Newton Hospital CEO Brian Barta, CPA.

Other familiar faces from William Newton Hospital helping as advanced practice providers within the Fast Track will include Jessica Sloan, APRN, Laura Thielen, APRN, Melanie Hartley, APRN, Shirley Black, APRN, and Anna Kill, APRN.

“I’d like to thank our incredible staff who work tirelessly to serve our community in their time of need,” says Barta. “As we position our hospital to serve our region for many years to come, we are excited to add the Fast Track model of care to complement our emergency department.”

For patients seeking care in the emergency department or Fast Track, more information can be found on the emergency care page.