Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ): What to Expect During Your Visit
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
The Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) is an area in the Emergency Department designed to assess and treat patients quickly, especially those with less critical conditions, such as:
- sprains
- cough & cold
- sore throat & upper respiratory needs
- cuts requiring stitches
- ear ache/infection
The goal is to reduce wait times and improve patient flow.
How the RAZ Works:
1. Triage (Initial Assessment): When you arrive, a nurse will assess your condition based on urgency. Patients are seen based on medical need, not arrival time.
2. Placement in RAZ: If appropriate, you will be directed to the Rapid Assessment Zone. You may be seated in a chair instead of a bed, depending on your condition.
Patients may notice others being called into the RAZ ahead of
them. This is because some individuals require an acute care bed for closer
observation based on their symptoms and clinical needs. Please be assured that
all patients will continue to be monitored and reassessed throughout their
visit.
3. Assessment by a Healthcare Provider: A doctor will evaluate your symptoms. Initial tests (labs or imaging) may be ordered.
4. Testing and Investigations: Depending on your condition, you may require:
- Bloodwork (Labs): 1–2 hours
- X-rays: ~1 hour
- CT scans: 3–4 hours
- Ultrasound: 3–4 hours
5. Waiting for Results: While waiting, you may remain in the RAZ or waiting area. Staff will monitor your condition and reassess if needed.
6. Reassessment and Treatment Plan: Once results are available, the provider will review them with you. You may receive treatment, prescriptions, or further instructions.
7. Disposition (Next Steps): Depending on your condition, you may be discharged home with care instructions, admitted to the hospital, or sent for further specialist care.
Important things to know
- Wait times can vary depending on how busy the department is and the severity of other patients’ conditions.
- You may be moved between areas to ensure the sickest patients receive immediate care.
- If your symptoms worsen while waiting, notify staff right away.
- You may be asked the same questions more than once. This helps ensure your information is accurate, improves communication between providers, and supports your safety and identification.
By streamlining the management of lower-acuity cases, the RAZ also
helps reduce congestion in the acute care area for more critical patients. This ensures that patients who
require closer monitoring and more intensive treatment can access the
appropriate space and resources without delay - supporting our commitment to
providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Our Goal
The Rapid Assessment Zone is designed to:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce your overall length of stay
- Ensure timely care in a safe environment
We will closely evaluate the performance of the RAZ and make
ongoing improvements and adjustments as needed. This initiative is part of our
broader effort to better meet the needs of our growing community and enhance
the overall patient experience in our Emergency Department.
If you have questions at any point during your visit, please speak with a member of your care team.
Patient Survey
we would love to hear from you! Please fill out the following patient survey related to the rapid assessment zone: