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| When you arrive in emergency department |
We know coming to hospital can sometimes be a stressful and difficult experience. We want to help you understand what to expect when you arrive at the emergency department.
The emergency department has its own entrance located at King and Pine streets. Please use the hospital’s main entrance for all non-emergency care.
Please see our parking page for details on specific emergency parking as well as regular parking services at the KW Site.
When you walk into the waiting room there is a table with a clipboard on the right-hand side. Please sign your name on the clipboard so that the triage nurse knows you require care.
A triage nurse will talk to you about your illness or injury and classify your needs based on the urgency of your, and other patients’ health conditions. This will determine how long you will likely wait until you see the physician or a nurse practitioner.
Availability of treatment areas may also be a factor in how long you may wait. Also, if a patient with a more serious condition arrives, they may be seen before you. We are unable to predict how long you will wait as new patients arrive and the needs of patients change.
The goal of triage is to;
- Quickly identify patients with urgent, life-threatening conditions;
- Determine the most appropriate treatment area;
- Provide ongoing assessments of patients; and
- Provide information to patients/families regarding service, expected care and wait times.
As part of a comprehensive triage system the triage nurse may be able to start some blood work/x-rays before the doctor assesses you. If you feel your condition is getting worse while you wait, please notify the triage nurse immediately. This will help us to identify your changing needs to make changes to your care.
If you decide to leave before seeing the doctor, please notify the nurse. Patients that leave prior to treatment may be contacted at home for follow up.
Please speak with a triage nurse before eating or drinking, or taking prescription medicine, as either may affect further treatments that may be provided.
Hand washing is the best way to decrease the spread of infection. Please wash your hands frequently, or use alcohol rub available throughout the department (and upon your entry to the hospital). All patients and visitors should wash their hands before and after their visit to the hospital.
Waterloo Region includes many diverse communities. Our staff will assist patients whose first language is not English. We will attempt to locate an interpreter or use a multicultural information guide to assist you with understanding. When possible, you may wish to bring someone with you who can help you with your communication. |
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