Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative at Niagara Health, Dr. Stephanie Phillips has taken on a pivotal role as the first-ever ambulatory physician lead. Her journey is not just about transforming outpatient care; it's about fostering relationships among physicians to enhance surgical services and patient outcomes like never before.

Dr. Phillips' Philosophy

Dr. Phillips, a general surgeon and Surgical Site Lead at Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines, believes that transformation can often begin with something as simple as a text message. A heartfelt birthday greeting or a quick check-in with colleagues can lay the foundation for stronger connections, which are essential in a field that is constantly evolving.

"The bedrock of my leadership philosophy is building relationships," Dr. Phillips explains. "That’s how we can accomplish great things together." With her new two-year mandate, her to-do list is extensive, as she aims to gather valuable input from her peers to redesign ambulatory services across all three hospitals under Niagara Health.

The Importance of Ambulatory Care

Ambulatory care, which allows patients to receive treatment and return home the same day, encompasses a variety of procedures, from minor surgeries to important visits in fracture clinics and outpatient infusion therapies. With the South Niagara Hospital set to open in 2028, Dr. Phillips is tasked not only with optimizing current services but also strategizing for an enhanced healthcare experience once it arrives.

"The problems we face today require immediate solutions; we can’t just wait for the new hospital," she emphasizes. "Improving our current ambulatory services is critical." The challenge lies in applying innovative solutions that will function effectively in both the current hospital setup and the new facilities once they come to life.

Dr. Phillips' Experience

Dr. Phillips, who performs a significant portion of her surgeries in an outpatient setting, is well-versed in the intricacies of patient care transformation. One highlight of her career was the establishment of dedicated trauma rooms in the Emergency Department (ED). This key improvement significantly streamlined the care for patients in need of urgent surgical attention for conditions such as hip fractures.

Before the implementation of these trauma rooms, emergency surgeries were performed under a less efficient schedule that resulted in long wait times for patients. Now, the new protocol includes the commitment of a dedicated surgical team three days per week, with plans to expand these emergency surgical services to five days, similar to the successful model at Niagara Falls Hospital.

Impact of Trauma Rooms

"The introduction of trauma rooms has revolutionized our approach to emergency patient care," she states. "It not only increases the efficiency of operating rooms but also better organizes time and resources."

Collaborative Efforts

Partnering with Laura Morrison, Director of the Ambulatory Program, Dr. Phillips is eager to get started on these ambitious projects that align with Niagara Health's strategic vision. Although she is early in her journey, she acknowledges some services need more attention than others. A governance committee will be responsible for taking input from physicians, supported by patient feedback and data, to ensure the best changes are implemented.

A Vision for Change

"We often fall into the trap of doing things the way they've always been done," she remarks. "But change is not only possible—it's necessary. If we can improve our care for patients and ease the burden on physicians, that’s what truly excites me."

Conclusion

With Dr. Phillips at the helm, the future of outpatient care at Niagara Health looks promising, and she is determined to lead the charge toward a more efficient, patient-centered approach to surgical services. Stay tuned as we unravel the progress in outpatient care!