Emergency Department

• The Emergency Department is committed to providing you with prompt, high quality care.
• We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and see more than 30,000 patients annually.
• Every effort is made to see patients as quickly as possible. Patients are not necessarily seen in order of arrival; it depends on how urgent or severe each case is. Urgent cases must always be given priority, so please be patient as you wait. If your symptoms change while waiting to see a doctor, please let the nurse know immediately.
• Based on your symptoms, you may be asked to wear a mask.
• Information on Ontario Emergency Wait Times

Who will meet you in the Emergency Department?

Emergency physicians, nurses, clerks, and other members of our team. You will be able to access other members of our team including ministerial, community care access services, Geriatric Education Management Nurse (GEM), Diabetic Educator and Assault Response Team RN.

Important Patient Information

• “Your safety is our priority”.
• Please give us a list of your medications.
• Tell us about your allergies.
• Do not eat or drink anything until you see the nurse.
• Tell us about your symptoms.
• Tell us about your tetanus status.
• If you need to go to the washroom, please check with a nurse to find out if we need a urine sample.
• To protect our staff and other patients, the emergency department has zero tolerance for any abusive behaviour or language.
• If possible, please give your valuables to a family member or a friend. The hospital is not responsible for any valuables or belongings you choose to keep with you.

Paramedic Service offers a FREE Wellness Clinic to the communities of Renfrew County

Visitors

We understand the need for patients to be with a family member during their stay with us, and will make every effort to accommodate this. Sometimes we ask family to wait in the waiting room, especially when the staff is giving a report to the patient. This allows us to protect each patient’s privacy.

You may also be asked to return to the waiting room during very busy times in the department or when we are expecting a seriously ill patient.

Before You Go Home

• Please make sure you understand all your instructions before you leave the hospital
• Please check with your nurse or doctor to see if you need any specific instructions, telephone numbers for a follow-up appointment or a visit to your own family doctor
• Please make sure you have all your belongings, your health card and your blue hospital card.
• If you need a certificate for work, please ask the doctor before you leave. Note that there may be a charge for forms/certificates issued by physicians

Other Services

• X-rays are routinely available, until midnight during weekdays and weekends until 11: p.m.
• Lab services are routinely available until midnight weekdays and on weekends until 7:30 p.m. These services are available outside of routine hours for emergencies and at the discretion of the treating physicians.

What is Telehealth Ontario?

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. That means easy access to a qualified professional who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. We can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital emergency room.

FOR HEALTH-RELATED QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL TELEHEALTH: 1-866-797-0000

A call to Telehealth Ontario does not replace 911—that’s always the first number you should call in emergency situations.