Sky Cartledge has worked as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Brantford General Hospital for 21 years. “The role of the RPN in our ED has evolved over time, and our scope of practice has expanded” says Sky. “We play an integral role in the running of the See & Treat where I work with RNs, Doctors, Physician Assistants and Expeditors to assess, investigate, treat and discharge patients who come to the Emergency Department that meet a ‘Fit to Sit’ specifc medical criteria*.”
“The See & Treat is a very busy and important area of the ED”, continues Sky. “We see approximately 50% of patients that enter through the Emergency Department doors including the majority of our pediatric patients. I am proud of my work in the See & Treat and believe that I make a difference for our patients. I always strive to make our patients feel comfortable, safe, and acknowledged while in my care and create a positive experience.”
When asked why the ED and See & Treat are so important for our community, Sky explains, “Travel is not possible for many people and we need to provide services in a location that is accessible. Many community members don’t have a family physician. We provide a safe location for them to get excellent care whatever the reason may be.”
The See & Treat at the Brantford General Hospital focuses on expediting wait times and serves those patients who present at the ED with medical emergencies that can be assessed, treated and discharged in under four hours. The See & Treat is staffed daily from 8:00 am to midnight. As part of the ED redevelopment project, the See & Treat area will expand to have more rooms to facilitate additional procedures, such as sedation and casting.
Sky and her colleagues look forward to the positive changes the Emergency Department redevelopment project will bring for the See & Treat area. “Our square footage is increasing so the department will be less cramped and there will be more natural light from windows making it feel more welcoming.” Sky further notes, “Donations to the BCHS Foundation are crucial for making this project happen and for purchasing the patient equipment we need and use every day in the ED, such as ECG machines, vital signs monitors and portable ultrasounds.”
“In addition to funding major projects and equipment purchases, the Foundation also provides the See & Treat and ED with toys, activity books and crayons for children, which is a large part of our patient population” Sky adds. “ED patients can rarely plan their visit, so a fun distraction during their time waiting is important for those kiddos and parents.”
*“Fit to Sit” criteria is defined as capable of sitting in the waiting room without any support and able to register and take part in the triage process themselves.
