Expediting Your Care in the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room
Emergency Department clinicians treat patients based on the severity of their illnesses or injuries, not on a first-come, first served basis. We realize it is difficult to wait and will do all we can to expedite your treatment. Here are some ways you can help:
Bring a list of medications and allergies. What is the name of the medication? How often do you take it and for how long? A list of allergies is also important. Be sure to include medications, foods, insects or any other product that you suspect may cause an allergic reaction.
Know your immunizations. Careful recordkeeping is important for children as well as adults.
Remain calm. Although it is difficult to remain composed if you are badly injured, a calm attitude enhances communication with the doctors and nurses caring for you.
Communicate to the ER staff. Please let us know if you are in pain or there is any change in your condition while you are at the hospital. Also, be sure to tell the triage nurse if you have or your family member has a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes.