Observation unit in emergency department

Hi,

I've been wondering what's exactly the use of the oberservation unit in the emergency department. So far I haven't been able to put any of my patients in that room. It says it's impossible. But why do I have to build it in the first place when there's no way I can ever use it? I understand I can't downgrade my patients to a lower station, but wouldn't it be rather normal to put patients that are already fully treated in an observation room to await their full recovery? Just saying... that might be more useful than setting up around ten trauma stations just to make sure none of the emergencies have to stay outside and wait for a free room...

So, what's the point of that station?

Thanks for your answers!

gamingmiri

If I remember correctly, you can "park" patients from your GPs there. They will get their diagnoses done over time but will be more lenient for staying at hospital, if in a bed. I would try this for complicated cases with a lot of going to the labs and radiology units.

ah, thank you. I'll try that next time a patient comes to me with nothing more than "dizziness" and has to take every examination available at the hospital.