Center provides emergency care without unneeded inpatient units

When a study showed that a hospital had enough beds for its service area but that one growing segment of this area needed faster access to emergency care, the Ambulatory Care Center/Emergency Services System (ACCESS) was established. Through its program and facility, ACCESS provides immediate ambulatory and emergency care in its community and, through referrals to the hospital's ED, ensures the provision of more extensive emergency or inpatient care, as needed. Telecommunications, coordination with the county rescue services and the hospital's ED, and cooperation with local private practitioners are vital elements of the program.