LHAAMC Receives Award for Reducing Wait Times

Annapolis, MD. — Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Emergency Department—one of the busiest in the state—has received the Maryland Stars of Life Executive Director’s Award from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). The honor recognizes the ED team’s outstanding collaboration with EMS providers and their commitment to improving patient care through faster, safer emergency response.

The Stars of Life Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to Maryland’s EMS system. LHAAMC’s Emergency Department was recognized for making it quicker and smoother to transition patients from EMS crews to the hospital team—ensuring patients receive timely treatment while enabling EMS providers to return to the field more quickly.

"Our team has reduced EMS turnaround times by more than 50% over the past three years, even as we’ve been seeing more and more patients," said Dennis Kelly, clinical director of LHAAMC’s Emergency Department. "This success is the result of implementing effective, data-driven strategies and the strong collaboration between our staff and EMS partners."

With nearly 100,000 visits annually, LHAAMC’s Emergency Department is among the busiest in Maryland. As a trusted source of care in the community for nearly 125 years, LHAAMC continues to evolve to meet growing needs. The ED team’s efforts to streamline operations and improve communication with EMS partners have had a measurable impact on emergency care delivery in the region. 

"This recognition speaks to the extraordinary work of our emergency department and their deep commitment to collaboration, efficiency, and patient safety," said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. "We’re proud of our work with Maryland’s EMS system and appreciate the dedicated professionals who make this level of care possible every day. Through strong collaboration, we’re able to treat patients more quickly and help EMS crews return to the field to assist the next patient and family." 

Dr. Ted Delbridge, executive director of MIEMSS, visited the hospital along with other EMS leaders to present the honor to the ED staff. 

"I am extremely proud of our team members who provide high-quality care to our community 24/7,” said Dr. Michael Kent, medical director of LHAAMC’s Emergency Department. This honor reflects the hard work, knowledge, compassion and dedication of our physicians, nurses, technicians, volunteers, and all of our employees who strive for excellence every day."