Reducing Wait Times with the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ)

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New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Thursday, April 17, 2025

The Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) is improving patient flow and reducing wait times at Aberdeen Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). Designed for patients with less critical conditions, the RAZ allows emergency physicians to focus on more urgent cases while ensuring less acute patients receive more timely assessments and treatment.

Since opening in May 2024, the RAZ has cared for 31% of emergency patients during service hours, averaging 2.5 patients per hour. Plans are already underway to expand RAZ services to seven days a week.

“It’s amazing to see the huge decrease in the number of patients who leave without being seen,” says Stacy MacDonald, Aberdeen’s first Nurse Practitioner in the emergency department. The RAZ has streamlined triage and treatment, reducing delays and improving patient satisfaction.

Photo caption: Nurse Practitioner, Stacy MacDonald has 25 years’ experience and leads the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) as the first Nurse Practitioner in Aberdeen Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) alongside Licensed Practical Nurse Candace Brown and Unit Aide Druhan Dunn.

The RAZ also provides follow-up care. “I can bring patients back in a couple of days for a re-check, so they don’t have to wait again,” says MacDonald. She also coordinates with the Ambulatory Treatment Clinic for patients requiring IV antibiotics and wound care, reducing repeat ED visits.

Lisa MacDonald, Chair of the Aberdeen Health Foundation, says the RAZ is exactly the kind of initiative the Foundation is proud to support. The Foundation provided funding for the dedicated space and equipment to help bring the RAZ to life.

“The RAZ is a real step forward for patient care in Pictou County,” she says. “It’s the kind of investment we’re always looking to make, something that delivers immediate impact. It’s improving access in the ED, and we imagine it’s lifting staff morale as well.”

“This year’s commitments really speak to the heart of what we do,” Lisa adds. “We’re focused on meeting urgent needs while also supporting long-term improvements to build a healthier, more connected community.”

The RAZ has already made a significant impact, helping patients receive care faster while easing pressure on the ED.

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca