Better service coordination reduces waiting time 

No one likes to wait, especially in an emergency. To expedite Emergency Department service, Loyola brought together a team to assess and respond to causes of delay. Representatives from emergency, laboratory, transportation, radiology and admissions set a goal of reducing the percentage of patients who had to wait long periods of time. In 1996, the team initiated a series of process improvements primarily aimed at reducing the response time for ED-directed laboratory, radiology, admissions and transport. Since then, the number of patients waiting more than three hours has decreased by nearly 10 percent — despite significant increases in the volume and acuity of patients during that time. The team continues to study ED performance and initiate new programs.
Anthony Lombardi, a security officer at Loyola, cheerfully greets patients and helps them find their way around. His genuine concern shines forth the Jesuit tradition of doing all you can to serve others.


BRINGING HEALTH AND COMFORT TO THOSE IN NEED

  Loyola University Health System reaches out in myriad ways — from conducting injury-prevention programs in the community to helping our physicians detect and respond to domestic violence. We empower our entire staff to seek opportunities to bring health and comfort to those in need. Here are three examples of how we are succeeding:
Over the Telephone Accurate information and reassurance are powerful allies in the ˝ght against cancer. Loyola’s Can-Help Cancer Information Service is a phone line staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate nurses. They not only offer the latest facts about prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research, they also comfort and guide callers who have fears and concerns. In the words of one caller: “Can-Help provides hope, understanding and support essential to recovery.”
At Home and Abroad It is not unusual for students at Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine to take a break from studies to volunteer in local service programs. This year they went farther: a record number of first-year students volunteered for Stritch’s International Service Immersion Program. They traveled to Central and South America to learn about medicine in third-world countries and grow in compassion by realizing how they can help others. Many returned with a more global vision of service and renewed enthusiasm for their volunteer activities and service commitments at home.
On the Job Every Day Jesuit tradition is built on the principle of doing all you can to serve others. It is expressed in the Latin word “magis,” which means “the desire to do more.” To help our employees achieve this ideal in everyday practice, Loyola University Health System is providing Magis Training. A four-hour course that helps employees look at every situation from the patient’s point of view, Magis Training fosters greater care, concern, cooperation and respect. And it is helping us serve our patients and their families at a higher level. 

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