Understanding the Wait
While we understand that waiting is frustrating, we appreciate your patience and understanding as our caregivers try to see patients as quickly as possible. Some things that may impact your wait may include:
- An increase in critical patients arriving by ambulance or helicopter.
- Patients are in a critical state and getting worse.
- Patients currently being treated in the Emergency Dept.
- Patients waiting for placement to an in-patient room or another facility.
- Labs and tests being conducted for all patients in our hospital.
Your care is important to us. Please let the concierge or check-in staff know if there is a change in your condition so that we can have our clinical team reassess you.
Making the Emergency Department Experience More Comfortable
The Emergency Department often experiences long wait times, particularly during peak seasons for respiratory illnesses. Centra’s staff works to expedite patient care, moving individuals to inpatient care or discharging them as quickly as possible. The waiting area has cushioned chairs, televisions, vending machines, and water. Patients can also request blankets for added comfort.
To prepare for a potentially long wait, patients are advised to:
- Limit the number of accompanying individuals to reduce crowding.
- Bring snacks or beverages, checking BEFORE with the nurse to ensure food intake won’t interfere with tests.
- Wash hands frequently and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
- Bring a book, phone charger, or small pillow for comfort.
Continuity of Care
Following treatment, patients receive detailed instructions or referrals for follow-up care.
The goal is to create a continuation of care, reducing the need for repeat Emergency Department visits. A comprehensive care plan is developed for those admitted to inpatient care to ensure long-term recovery.
Check out our post about what to expect when you visit the emergency department and understand the triage process.