The Emergency Department Process

Triage

Upon arriving at the hospital, patients who did not come via ambulance will first see a nurse who will begin the triage process. Patients will be assessed and prioritized based on the seriousness of illness or injury. Since each individual will require different levels of medical care and treatment, the length of visit will vary for each patient.

Treatment Areas

The Emergency Department is divided into three sections:

• Main Emergency Department, that treats individuals with a high level of acuity;
• Minor Illness Treatment Unit, where patients with common/simple injuries are treated; and the
• Pediatric Emergency Department  - the county’s first 24-hour, full-service emergency department for kids, that is specifically designed and staffed to treat children under the age of 18.

Supportive Services

At Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Patient Representatives serve as liaisons between patients and our staff. They also act as facilitators of information.

Patient Representatives are here to advocate for patients and families and to listen, note, and respond to their concerns. If patients have questions related to treatment and their doctor is unavailable, the Patient Representative will assist in getting answers for them. Patient Representatives are available both during the patients’ stay and afterward, should there be need for additional assistance.

Our hospital seeks to administer care to an individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We believe faith is integral to the healing process. Therefore, we have a Pastoral Care Department that assists patients with their spiritual needs. The staff consists of individuals who represent most religious backgrounds. If patients prefer their own clergyman to be with them, we welcome them to do so.

Patient Representatives are available in the ED 12 hours a day 7 days a week.