Emergency Services
It’s three in the morning and your baby burns with fever . . .
Your spouse suffers from chest pains after dinner . . .
An elderly parent awakens with breathing difficulties . . .
Who you can rely on in an emergency matters most.
That's why over 45,000 people annually trust the skilled and caring staff at Christ Hospital's Emergency Department.
Not only are we quick to respond to the growing healthcare needs of the residents in the communities we serve, we pride ourselves on having some of the most state-of-the-art technology available to provide our patients with the highest quality care available to our community — 24 hours, seven days a week.
The Emergency Department is staffed by board certified/board eligible emergency physicians, who are all members of Emergency Medical Associates (EMA), one of the country’s premier emergency physician groups( www.ema-ed.com), which is well recognized for having thoughts leaders in all facets of emergency medicine, both on a regional and national basis.
Christ Hospital’s Emergency Department has a treatment area designed specifically for the needs of pediatric patients and their families as well as a Fast Track area to expedite care for patients with less serious conditions.
Technology Reduces Wait Times and Increases Record Accuracy
- A state-of-the-art electronic medical record (EMR), called Emergency Department Information Manager (EDIM) is currently in use at Christ Hospital.
- Less than 20% of today’s emergency departments use an electronic medical record (EMR). EDIM incorporates evidence-based medicine clinical “best practice” guidelines to ensure the highest quality of clinical care.
- For patients with ongoing health conditions, EDIM allows the ED staff to immediately access previous ED visits to quickly view previous treatments, test results and prescribed medications.
- Upon being discharged from the ED, all patients are provided with clear, legible discharge instructions, which includes prescription information.
What happens when I arrive?
Upon arriving in the Emergency Department, you will be seen by a nurse. This nurse will ask the reason for your visit and take a brief medical history and conduct an exam. This will help us treat you and determine the severity of your condition.
You will then be directed to the registration clerk so that we may obtain the information needed for an Emergency Department record, including consent for treatment. As soon as an exam room is available, you will be brought into the Emergency Department. You may be asked to remain in the waiting area until a treatment room is free.
How soon will I be treated?
Patients are usually seen according to the seriousness of their medical condition. Critically ill patients are always seen first. Generally, other patients are seen in order of arrival. Patients waiting in the waiting area are not the only patients in the Emergency Department. Some patients are brought in by ambulance and come in a separate entrance, and patients in the waiting area are not aware of their arrival.
Our Fast Track Area helps those with minor medical needs - non-life threatening conditions such as earaches, coughs, and sprains.
Once you are taken into an exam room, you will be seen by an emergency physician. It may be necessary to obtain blood tests, x-rays or other types of medical tests. Blood test results usually take about an hour.
X-ray results will be reviewed by the emergency physician during your visit. The emergency physician may not see you immediately upon returning from x-ray if he/she is waiting for your other test results or attending to other patients.
Every effort is made to provide prompt care. Patients with problems not requiring tests are usually discharged shortly after seeing a physician. A medical evaluation for conditions requiring tests, x-rays and/or specialized treatment generally takes one to two hours after you are seen by a physician.
If at any time you are unsure of what is going to happen next, or are concerned about delays, please ask your nurse or doctor.
Patients with stomach complaints or those who may need surgery should not eat or drink anything while waiting. If you have a question regarding your ability to eat or drink, please ask your doctor or nurse.
How will I know what to do when I leave?
You will be given instructions prior to leaving the Emergency Department. It is very important that you understand and follow these directions. If you do not understand any of the directions, please ask. If questions arise once you get home, please call the Emergency Department at (201) 795-8280.
What about visitors?
We understand the need for family and friends to be with the patient in the Emergency Department and welcome your input and observations.
At times, we must limit traffic in and out of the department to provide efficient quality care, privacy and safety for our patients. Patients may be limited to one visitor at the bedside or both parents, if the patient is a child. Please stay in the room at the patient's bedside.
Depending on current activities in the Emergency Department, it may or may not be appropriate for children to visit. Please ensure adult supervision of children at all times.
We know that no one wants to be a patient in the Emergency Department and that patients and their families may be upset and frightened by their illness or injury. Our staff is dedicated to providing quality medical treatment in a caring environment. We realize that your time is valuable and we will do our best to make sure your stay is as brief as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make an appointment to see the same doctor who treated me in the E.R.?
A: The emergency department does not accept appointments.
Q: What is the best time to come to the E.R.?
A: The emergency department is available 24 hours a day for patients who require immediate care. Patients are seen in order based on an assessment of their illness.
Q: How do I know if I need to come to the E.R.?
A: The emergency department is always available to patients who feel that they have a problem that cannot wait for an appointment with your primary care physician.
Q: If I come to the E.R. will my doctor see me?
A: Emergency department patients are seen by physicians with training or experience in the specialty of emergency medicine. We obtain consultations as needed, based on our assessment of your problems.
Q: How long can I expect to wait?
A: The emergency department is available 24 hours a day for patients who require immediate care. It is not always predictable how long you will have to wait. Patients are seen in order based on an assessment of their illness.
Q: Can I get an appointment with a specialist from the E.R.?
A: The emergency department will refer you to your primary care physician or to a specialist based on an assessment of your problem.
Q: Can I see a specialist if I come to the E. R.?
A: Emergency department patients are seen by physicians with training or experience in the specialty of emergency medicine. We obtain consultations as needed, based on our assessment of your problems.
Q: Can I get medication samples from the E.R?
A: We generally do not have a supply of samples for patients as per state regulations.
