About the Program

The Emergency Department treated over 18,000 patients during 2006.  Our highly professional and dedicated employees are proud of the care we provide our veterans, combining the best in quality care with the best in new technology.  We are excited about the following additions and enhancements to our Emergency Department Services, which were completed in April 2006:

• A total of 12,500 square feet, featuring Individual Patient Rooms, providing the best in patient privacy
• New and Larger waiting areas for both the ER and Admissions areas
• New Canopy at the Ambulance Entrance for sheltered access during inclement weather
• New public restrooms, wireless computer system, HVAC systems, medical gas (Oxygen, Air, Vacuum) systems, as well as a new security access system

Some Emergency Medical Conditions Which Require an Immediate Visit to the Emergency Department -

• Chest Pain
• Difficulty Breathing
• Sudden numbness or the inability to speak or walk
• Any persistent bleeding that won't stop
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe, sudden headache
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Head, neck, or spinal cord injury
• Fracture
• Poisoning

If you feel that you need to go to the Emergency Department, we will be glad to help you, however, in some non-urgent, less serious cases, you may benefit by calling your primary care clinic. They are usually able to bring you in quickly for an appointment and you may be able to avoid a prolonged wait at the Emergency Department.

What happens when I arrive at the Emergency Department?

Arrival

If you arrive in an ambulance or unconscious, you will be assigned a bed and treated immediately. If someone drives you to the hospital and you are conscious, you will enter the ER waiting room where your condition will be assessed by an experienced Registered Nurse.

Triage

You will meet with an experienced member of the emergency triage team who will evaluate your condition and assign you to the most appropriate area of the department. It is essential that the most seriously ill and/or injured persons be treated first.

Examination

Every effort is made to provide prompt care but you may have to wait before you are seen by a physician. There are a variety of reasons for this. The most common reason is that other patients may need to be treated first due to a more serious injury or illness. Certain illnesses and injuries will take more time and attention from our medical professionals. You may also have to wait for procedures such as x-rays and laboratory tests. The results can sometimes take a while to be obtained and reviewed. Your patience is always appreciated. While you are waiting, if your condition has changed for the worse, or you have worsening pain, please let the nurse know.

Treatment

If you are critically ill or require constant intravenous fluids, you may be admitted to the hospital. Otherwise, the emergency physician will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan. You may get written instructions about medications, restrictions and symptoms to look for that may merit a return to the hospital.
You may be advised to follow up with your primary care clinic. It's very important that you understand and follow these directions. If you do not understand the instructions or have questions, please ask.

Emergency Care in Non-VA Facilities

Emergency Care in Non-VA facilities is provided as a safety net for veterans under specific conditions. You are eligible if the non-VA emergency care is for a service-connected condition or, if enrolled, you have been provided care by a VA clinician or provider within the past 24 months and have no other health care coverage. Also, it must be determined that VA health care facilities were not feasibly available; that a delay in medical attention would have endangered your life or health, and that you are personally liable for the cost of the services.

For more information about emergency non-VA care, click here