We had a patient who agreed to come to Memphis for Alcohol Intox Rehab, from Martin, TN. Once he got to a treatment center, he became ill. He was then transferred to Methodist North for admission. The patient received his medical treatment and was discharged home. Being from out of town, the patient did not have any way to get home nor any family who was able to come to get him. At this point, our team kicked into gear and made a plan. They spoke with the family member, called around to bus services to see if any routes would stop in Martin, and called Union Mission to verify needs and concerns. After discussing the services, the patient was able to be discharged.
The plan was for the patient to spend the night at Union Mission. A cab ride was coordinated to pick him up at 5:00 am, and to take him to the Grey Hound Station, so he could catch the bus en route to Martin. The family member paid for bus ticket over the phone and agreed to pick the patient up at the bus stop in their hometown. Tanner Weir and another nurse drove the patient and checked him into the Union Mission. The patient was very grateful.
This act decreased a length of stay and ensured patient safety.