Making emergency care faster
In 2025, MultiCare Capital Medical Center’s emergency department (ED) achieved a significant operational and patient-experience milestone by successfully expanding its rapid care process, demonstrating that innovation and efficiency are possible even within a small physical footprint.
Operating with just eight treatment rooms and four hall beds, the ED consistently managed an average of 84 patients per day while maintaining strong throughput, including a 140-minute discharge length of stay, and discharge times under 160 minutes during peak daily volumes of more than 110 patients.
Rapid care redesigned how lower‑acuity patients move through the ED, allowing patients to see a provider sooner and staff to use resources more efficiently, preserving access for those with more serious conditions.
- 67 percent of ED patients were cared for through rapid care
- Patients were triaged and seen by a provider in about eight minutes
- Streamlined workflows supported simultaneous triage, evaluation and treatment
- Close nursing collaboration ensured timely medications, labs and imaging
These improvements strengthened both care quality and patient confidence.
A six-month engagement effort further improved the patient experience, with our likelihood to recommend increasing from 84.42 to 88.89. These results reflect strong teamwork, accountability and compassion.
Today, rapid care serves as a scalable model for improving access, patient flow and operational resilience — positioning Capital’s emergency department to deliver timely, safe and respectful care to our community.
Centering program accreditation
In 2025, MultiCare Capital Medical Center’s birth center successfully launched and earned accreditation for the CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care program, a model that gives expecting families more time with providers and a stronger sense of community.
The first cohort began Jan. 15, 2025, following preparation and training the previous year. Led by a certified nurse-midwife, Centering replaces the traditional short prenatal visit with a 90‑minute shared session that blends clinical care, education and peer support.
Throughout 2025, the program demonstrated rapid growth and strong engagement. Participation grew steadily throughout the year as new cohorts formed, classes progressed, and families stayed connected through reunions and ongoing support networks.
A major milestone came in August 2025 when the program achieved full accreditation from the Centering Healthcare Institute, confirming the quality and consistency of the model. Support from PEAK Credit Union helped strengthen its long‑term sustainability and community access.
The Centering program reflects Capital Medical Center’s commitment to compassionate, culturally responsive and community maternal care — offering families deeper connection, stronger support and a more meaningful experience.
Provided by: The frontline nurses at MultiCare Capital Medical Center