Emergency Department

The Emergency Department provides care to those with life and/or limb threatening illnesses and injuries twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Over 31,000 patients are seen and treated in Emergency each year. Approximately 25% of the visits are by pediatric patients who live in the surrounding community. The Emergency Department is the site of origin for over 95% of the medical admissions to the Hospital.

Not all patients' lives are in immediate danger, therefore, the Emergency Department should not be used for long standing or minor illnesses, which can be treated in a doctor's office. Included in this group are requests for physical checkups, colds, minor sore throats, requests for prescription refills, removal of stitches, etc.

While in our Emergency Department, you will be treated by a team of Emergency Physicians and Registered Nurses trained in giving emergency care.

What Happens when you Enter our Emergency Department?

When you arrive in the department you will be greeted by the Triage Nurse. She/He will ask questions about your illness and determine how urgently the physician must see you. It is not a case of first come, first served.

The Triage Nurse will provide you with an estimate of time you must wait to see our Emergency Physician. As conditions in our department change, the actual waiting time may be longer than initially anticipated. We regret any lengthy delay.   If you have any questions while in the waiting room ask the Triage Nurse who will care for you while you wait to see the Emergency Physician.

It is very useful to have your Manitoba Health Card information ready if possible during your visit to emergency. Information such as your date of birth, residency, etc. are vital in order to keep proper records for your health and saftey.

Why is there a Waiting Period?

We will attend to all patients as soon as possible. However, critically ill patients will be seen first regardless of the order in which  they arrive. Patients who are not in immediate danger will be required to wait.

Depending on the nature of your problem, it may be necessary to wait for a special room for your special needs. For example, cuts will be stitched in a surgical room where the equipment needed is close at hand. After being seen by an Emergency Physician you may need to wait for results of X-rays or blood tests. A Specialist may be called in to see you.

Quality Care Takes Time.

What should you do after you leave the Emergency Department?

You may have been examined and treated on an emergency basis only. This is not a substitute for or an effort to provide complete medical care. In most cases, you must see your family doctor to be checked again. It is impossible to recognize and treat all illnesses in a single Emergency Department visit. If you have had special tests, such as X-rays or EKG's we will review them again. We will call you if there are any suggestions for your care.

Please follow your discharge instructions. Take your medication as directed.  Worker's Compensation and Insurance forms are not completed in the Emergency Department. It is your responsibility to take such documents to your own doctor for completion.

How many patients do we see?

When our hospital opened its doors in 1974, approximately 8,000 patients were treated in our Emergency Department. Our Emergency Department now treats more than 32,000 patients every year. During a busy day we may see over 100 patients. This puts a serious strain on our physical and human resources.

How can you help us provide Emergency Care?

Make sure you have a family doctor. Remember to call your Doctor if you have a problem. Each family practise has a doctor on call during evenings and weekends.

If you do not have a family physician, we will be happy to provide you with names of family doctors who are accepting new patients.

• Know your current medications
• Know your allergies
• Carry this information with you at all times

What should you do in an Emergency?

Should you become involved in any kind of emergency situation in Winnipeg, help is only as far away as the nearest telephone.

• You Should dial '911'
• Give your name
• your location
• your problem

This will put you in touch with ambulance, fire, and Police services immediately.