A Trip to the Emergency Department
Triage
Waiting is often the most difficult part. In our emergency department we triage (assess) patients to ensure that those with the most critical needs are seen first. When you arrive, a registered nurse performs a brief evaluation to determine whether you should be seen by a physician immediately or if you can wait and be seen in turn. This means that patients are not always seen in the order in which they arrive, but are placed in treatment areas and seen by physicians according to the severity of their illness or injury. We do, however, try to see everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Registration and Treatment
Once you have been triaged, you will be asked to register and sign a form allowing us to treat you. A nurse will escort you to the next emergency treatment area available. Other factors that might lengthen your time in the emergency department include:
- Development and interpretation of x-rays or other diagnostic imaging
- Completion and interpretation of lab tests
- Awaiting the arrival or call of a consulting physician
- Availability of a specialized treatment area such as an eye room, orthopedic room, ob-gyn room or others
- Admittance or transfer to an inpatient room for further care or transfer to another healthcare facility
Admittance to Hospital
Should your condition require care in a hospital setting, you will be admitted to one of our inpatient rooms. It may be necessary to wait for an available bed; however, every effort will be made to expedite the transition from the emergency department to a hospital room with your safety and comfort being foremost in our minds.
Transfer to Another Facility
There are times when it may be necessary to transfer you to another facility because your illness or injury requires special services not offered here at Milford Regional, your personal physician practices at another hospital, or due to your insurance requirements. Everything will be discussed with you beforehand and all arrangements with the receiving hospital will be made by our staff. Any necessary x-rays or reports will go with you at the time of transfer.
Discharge
Your trip to Milford Regional’s Emergency Department is often only the first step towards healing and wellness. Every patient will receive written discharge instructions that detail what follow-up care is needed. This may include the name of physicians to call for office visits, tests that must be administered at a separate time, medications to be taken or procedures to be followed once you have left our emergency department. It is important for you to follow these directions carefully and completely to ensure your return to health.