What You Need to Know About the Emergency Department
The emergency department can be a very busy place.
Knowing what to expect can make your visit easier.
Glendale Memorial strives to provide high-quality health care services with the caring and compassion you deserve. Emergency situations can be difficult and stressful, and you may not be aware of everything that is going on. Therefore, we are providing this brochure to give you information about your stay and to answer some of the questions you may have.
When You Arrive
Admitting
When you arrive in the Emergency Department, the admitting clerk will verify your address and emergency contact information. The admitting clerk will also ask you the reason for your visit and notify the triage nurse.
Triage
The triage nurse will determine the severity of your condition, based on your symptoms. All patients, even those arriving by ambulance, are assessed this way. The triage nurse will obtain personal and medical history, which will include a complete set of vital signs.
Which Patients are Seen First?
The Emergency Department is for the treatment of emergent medical conditions. Patients who have critical, life-threatening conditions or severe injuries are given priority. If you have a minor illness or injury, you may have to wait; even if you arrived before another patient. If you start to feel worse, make sure to let the triage nurse know.
If you have a non-urgent health matter or need ongoing treatment, it may be better for you to see your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, the Glendale Memorial Doctor Finder can help you find one. Just call us at (818) 502-2378.
While You Wait
The very best care takes time. You may be asked to wait in the waiting room, a treatment room or an overflow gurney. While you wait, our staff will try to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
If you have to wait, please be patient. Even if the waiting room doesn’t appear to be busy, remember there are “behind the scenes” activities taking place. A lot of patients arrive by ambulance through a different entrance. We know waiting can be frustrating, but for everyone’s comfort and safety, please treat others with respect. Remember, hospital staff is here to help you. For you convenience, our staff will update you periodically with an estimated wait time.
Visitors in the Treatment Area
It is often comforting to have a family member or friend with you while you wait. You may have one person stay with you when you come back to the treatment area. If the Emergency Department becomes full, or if a caregiver feels that you need privacy, your family member may be asked to return to the waiting area.
Leaving the Waiting Area
If you need to leave the waiting area, make sure you let hospital staff know. Also, ask them before you eat or drink anything as it may affect your treatment.
If you choose not to wait for treatment, please inform the triage nurse before you leave.
Treatment: What Might Happen
When you are brought to the treatment area, you will be assessed by a medical doctor or a physician assistant (PA). A medical doctor will have overall responsibility for your care. The doctor might order clinical tests such as blood tests, an X-ray or CT scan. If this happens, you might need to wait for the results before the doctor can continue your treatment.
A registered nurse will monitor your condition, give medications, and keep you and your family informed of any tests and procedures. Throughout your treatment, your privacy will always be respected.
When You Leave
When you leave the emergency department, use the following checklist:
- Collect all your personal belongings, including medications and medical documents.
- You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself and a number to call if you have continued problems. Please listen carefully.
- You may be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician.
- Stop by the registration desk to take care of any insurance co-pays.
We are committed to patient safety and satisfaction. If your stay has not met your expectations, please ask to speak to the Emergency Department supervisor before you leave so we can address any concerns you may have.
