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Emergency Department

Emergency Department SHHA Emergency Department serves a population of in approximately 19,000 and swells to above this in the summer months, due to tourism associated with the Lake Huron Coastline. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours and treats approximately 10,000 patients per year.

 Emergency Room Staffing

There is a physician on duty in the Emergency Department  and there is also a back-up physician on call to assist when the emergency physician accompanies patients to other facilities or when the workload in the department increases. The physicians work anywhere from 10-24 hour shifts. They are available 24 hours a day, but if it is not an emergent situation, you may use the Walk-In Clinic, call Telehealth, or see your Family Doctor. Non emergent patients in the ER may wait a few hours, however the triage nurse working in the department will assess the patient.

What do Expect in Emergency

Within the first 15 minutes of your arrival in the Emergency Department, you will be seen a by a triage nurse who will assess and classify your condition based on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale, a system used nation-wide. Following this assessment, a decision is made regarding the seriousness of your injury or illness. Your information is documented and you will then be registered. Based on the urgency of your situation, you will be taken to a treatment area, or returned to the waiting room. Please keep in mind that patients are seen based on the severity of their conditions. We encourage you to speak with the triage nurse if you have any concerns, or if your condition changes while waiting.

The triage nurse will assess and classify your condition based on the following five point scale:

• Resuscitation
• Emergent
• Urgent
• Less Urgent
• Non Urgent

This process allows the triage nurse to:

• Promptly identify patients requiring immediate care
• Determine the appropriate area for treatment within the Emergency Department
• Provide continued assessment or re-assessment of waiting patients
• Give information to patients and their families

Waiting in the Emergency Department

We understand the frustration and anxiety people feel if they wait longer than they expected. Please remember that patients are seen based on the severity of their injury or illness. Sometimes, you may be required to wait for a special room or equipment to become available before the staff are able to care for you. SHHA will do our best to make you comfortable during this time. IF your condition worsens while you are waiting please let the triage nurse know.

If the physician has admitted you to the hospital, you may need to wait in the Emergency Department while a bed is prepared for you. The staff and physicians of the Emergency Department will care for you until you are transferred. We welcome you to have one family member or friend stay with you while you wait. To make your stay more comfortable, you may wish to have someone bring your personal items (toiletries, reading materials) from home.

How can you help?

To make your visit to the Emergency Department as smooth as possible, there are a number of things you can do:

• Have your Ontario Health Insurance Card ready. If you are from outside Ontario, have your health insurance information available.
• Have a list of all medications you take on a regular basis, and advise the Emergency Department staff of any other important information (such as allergies, etc.) ready.
• If possible, bring a supply of your medications with you, in case you have to be admitted, or you have a long wait.
• Please talk with a nurse if you decide to leave without seeing a doctor.
• Please do not eat or drink anything without first checking with a nurse.

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Before you leave

Be certain that you understand the doctor's instructions. If you are unclear, a physician or nurse will be happy to explain them to you again. 
Please ensure you have all your belongings!