Emergency Medicine: A Critical Health Care Movement May 21, 2024 It’s hard to believe that back in the 1930s, Albany General Hospital saw an average of just eight patients per month who sought emergency care. During this era, there were no specialized physicians dedicated to emergencies. Instead, a nurse from the hospital would be called to assist patients. Fast forward to 1956 and the hospital’s emergency department is serving around 100 patients monthly. The hospital relied on doctors taking a daily stint on emergency calls, while the nurses continued to staff emergency services 24 hours a day. This meant patients were seen by rotating family physicians, surgeons or another specialist. It wasn’t until the establishment of the American College of Emergency Physicians in 1968 and the approval of emergency medicine as a specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 1979 that a turning point was marked. In July 1973, a new six-bed Emergency Department was opened in the Albany hospital’s new addition which provided much needed space. The department recruited its first full-time physician dedicated to emergency services and over the next two years the department was covered 24/7 by four physicians rotating 12-hour shifts. David L. Haffner, MD, was the hospital’s first resident Emergency Department physician before the department operated 24 hours a day, 1987. By 1975, roles became more specialized with nurses, physicians, clerks and techs exclusively devoted to emergency medicine. Monthly visits had skyrocketed by 1977 to 1,600 patients, reflecting the demand for services in a growing community. Over the next few decades, the Emergency Department continued to provide expanded services with the advancements of medical equipment and technology. Before the hospitalist model was introduced in 2002, a patient’s primary care physician would be called from their clinic to attend to their patient in the Emergency Department. Hospitalists exclusively provided inpatient care and facilitated a streamlined referral process for the patient’s follow-up care. A 2007 remodel expanded the department from six to 13 beds, and later incorporated specialized imaging and in-house laboratory testing. While in the past the Albany hospital used contracted emergency medicine physicians, in 2023 the hospital transitioned to an employed physician model welcoming 13 physicians to serve the community. Today the Emergency Department serves an average of 2,100 patients every month. “This has been a positive move for our community and staff,” said Ken Marelich, nursing manager at Samaritan Albany General hospital. “We are now able to align our goals for quality patient care while improving care continuously.” The progression of Samaritan Albany General Hospital’s Emergency Department is a fascinating journey, reflecting the changing landscape of medical practices, staffing and patient care. Watch for more articles about Samaritan Albany General Hospital as we celebrate 100 years of service to the mid-Willamette Valley. Visit Our History Page
