What to Expect When you Arrive at the Emergency Department
What to Expect When you Arrive at the Emergency Department
When you arrive you will need to follow a 3-step process:
Step 1:Screen Upon Arrival
Step 2: Take a seat in RED chairs
Step 3: A staff member will be with you shortly.
This Triage approach allows priority to be given to those patients whose ailments are most severe. The time at which you see the Doctor is not based on your time of arrival but rather how sick you are. Should your condition worsen or improve while waiting, please notify the Nurse immediately and your condition will be reassessed.
If you are coughing and sneezing you can help prevent spreading infection by putting on a mask. Mask dispensers are located at Registration and Hospital entrances. Please use the hand sanitizers located throughout our facilities when entering or leaving the Hospital and wash your hands after using the washroom.
What to Bring
To allow your visit to the Emergency Department flow smoothly, it is important to bring the following items with you:
- Valid Ontario Health Card or proof of other health insurance.
- A list of allergies, medications and herbal supplements (i.e. vitamins).
- Please bring medications and herbal supplements with you in the original container. As an alternative, you can ask your pharmacy to prepare a current, medication profile to bring with you to ER.
- Current home address and next of kin
- If your injury or accident is work-related please bring your Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claim number and Social Insurance Number.
What about friends and family?
We realize a visit to the Emergency Department can be a very anxious and distressing time. Friends and family are welcome to stay, however, limiting visitors to a maximum one at a time would be very much appreciated.
Vending machines are located just inside the Emergency entrance. If you are a patient please check with the nurse before you have anything to eat or drink.
What if I have to be admitted to the Hospital?
If you need to be admitted we will do our best to locate a bed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to remain in the Emergency Department for a period of time until an appropriate bed is available. Beds are assigned according to the severity of illness and space availability on specialized units.
Geriatric Emergency Management Team
Groves Memorial Community Hospital provides senior patients with a Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Team.
This team works in the Emergency Department and consists of Geriatric Nurse Clinicians who specialize in the issues that seniors present within acute care.
This team works closely with the Emergency Department team to assess frail, at-risk seniors and help our seniors access appropriate services and resources necessary to maximize functional status, independence and quality of life.
Contact
Anyone can call our GEM Nurses to have a patient/family member assessed at 519.843.2010 ext 40116
Deciding when to come to the ED with your child
It's not always easy to decide if your child really needs to come to the Emergency Department (ED). We understand that you are worried when your child is sick or injured and may decide to come to the ED. Many visits to the ED are due to minor illnesses that can be easily managed in a doctor's office or clinic. Family doctors know their patients best, and have the skills and resources to manage most problems. Talk to your family doctor first. Click here to read more.
