Emergency rooms at hospitals are often filled with people dealing with injuries and illnesses of varying degrees.

Some are there for what turns out to be just a cold, while others have injuries that require surgery.

To improve the efficiency of its emergency room, Emory Johns Creek Hospital has opened what it calls a “Fast Track” unit. A spokesperson for the hospital says it will treat minor injuries quicker and improve the flow of patients.

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The Fast Track will be staffed by a mid-level practitioner and a nurse at all times. The area will provide medical care for patients with minor injuries and illnesses, such as ear aches, coughs, sore throats, back pain, minor lacerations, bites, stings, allergic reactions, rashes and prescription refills.

Walt Wiley, the hospital’s director of emergency services and nursing support said in a statement that streamlining emergency patients is expected to cut down their wait times and their length of stay.

Wiley added that the hospital’s clinical staff sees an average of about 80 patients per day in its emergency department. The Fast Track will feature seven new beds and will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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