August 2017
Misty
Tribout
,
RN
Emergency Department
SSM Health, St. Mary's Hospital
Richmond Heights
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

The ED discharged a homeless patient that had no resources in regard to finding a safe place to live. He was given a packet of information to contact an SSM social worker during business hours on his own, however, the patient would have had a difficult time even making a phone call to try to inquire about any resources due to his decreased mental capacity. He is his own guardian, however, needs assistance that he is not currently getting.

Misty had the patient stay with her in the waiting room throughout the evening and escalated the concern to the ED Team Leader. Misty was going to buy the patient breakfast while he waited for social worker however we were able to get a house tray from dietary. The patient remained in the ED throughout the morning and was seen by ED Social Worker. He was ultimately re-registered and admitted for social services and placement in a residential facility. Had Misty not been so observant and compassionate this patient would have continued his life as a homeless man. Because of her efforts, he will be safely placed in a residential facility after a two-week stay in the hospital.