Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Emergency Surgical Service Available 24/7
Image Control, Around the Clock BWH’s new NightWatch program provides essential diagnostic radiology services at the point of care for Emergency Department patients, while also making BWH’s world-class services available to surrounding community hospitals.
Stephen Ledbetter, MD, chief of the Division of Emergency Radiology, has been instrumental in instituting the Night-Watch program, which staffs the ED with 24-hour attending radiologists. A team of seven radiologists are involved in the NightWatch program. The new program also allows community hospitals to utilize the expertise of BWH radiologists for around the clock image interpretation with the help of teleradiology.
“This is a phenomenal benefit for our staff and patients,” said Ledbetter. “Imaging often determines the plan of action for ED patients, so having our services available at moment’s notice expedites patient care and flow.”
“The program serves as a model of collaboration, professionalism and outstanding service,” said Ron Walls, MD, chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, who explained that others beyond BWH are also reaping the benefits.
“Teleradiology allows for us to provide our expertise and cutting-edge service remotely to other hospitals where this type of consultation is not available during off-shift hours,” said Ledbetter. He explained that interpretations are typically transmitted back to community hospitals within 30 minutes of receipt at BWH. “By providing this service, we anticipate reading about 7,000 studies remotely per year,” added Ledbetter.
Teleradiology also helps the ED prepare for Med Flight transfers. “We can make decisions for patients who are being transported by Med Flight from other hospitals, because we can see their studies before they even arrive,” said Ledbetter.