What happens in the emergency department?

If you become suddenly ill or injured, you may need to use emergency medical services. A visit to the emergency department involves many steps.

pic Before arriving

Your need for care and the urgency of your situation is assessed either before or on arrival at the emergency department.
pic Arriving at the emergency department

The emergency department process starts on arrival.
pic Registration

On registration, the patient’s name and current address are entered or updated in the system.
Assessing the need and urgency for care

Every patient arriving at an emergency department will be assessed for need and urgency of care.
pic Nurse’s interview

A nurse will interview you to make a more detailed assessment of your condition.
pic Examinations

Examinations are carried out to establish your medical status.
pic Why do I have to wait?

The emergency departments provide all urgent care services in the region in all situations.
pic Doctor’s/nurse’s appointment

You will be seen by a doctor or a nurse who will examine your medical problem and provide the necessary care.
pic Procedures

Procedures are sometimes performed to treat sudden illnesses and injuries at the emergency department.
pic Monitoring

The patient’s condition is monitored during and after the examinations and procedures.
pic Leaving the emergency department

The emergency department process ends with the patient’s discharge or referral for further treatment.