Upon arrival, a triage nurse will talk to you about your condition and decide the level of care you will need.  Patients who have a critical or life-threatening illness or injury are treated immediately.  Others are screened and put in one of several areas:

 

•      Urgent Care Area (open 8:30AM until 11PM) – For patients between age 16 and 60 who have minor health complaints that usually don’t require a long evaluation and complicated treatment.

•      Main Emergency Department – For patients of all ages that have a variety of illness and/or injuries.  Most patients are seen here.

 

•      Critical Care Area – For patients who require immediate attention due to a life-threatening illness or injury.

 

•      Mental Health Area –For patients who are seeking care for mental health, alcohol or drug problems.

 

•      Hall Beds - When all or most beds are in use, patients are placed in stretchers in the hall.  These are patients who are typically waiting for a room to open up, waiting for lab test results or waiting for transportation from the hospital.

 

•      Lobby or Waiting Room - When a bed is not available patients are asked to wait in the waiting room until they are called to be taken to one of the above areas.  If there is a change in condition you should notify the triage nurse or assistant.  Nothing should be taken by mouth unless approved by the nurse.  You may be rechecked by the nurse or by a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.