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Emergency Department

Emergency Department (ED) physicians and staff are dedicated to providing exceptional emergency care for people with urgent medical conditions. A triage system is in place in the ED, where the sickest and most vulnerable patients are cared for first. 

Here are some examples of the types of symptoms that are treated,
in order of 
urgency:

Level 1: Severe

Major Trauma

Level 2: Emergent

Chest Pain

Level 3: Urgent

Asthma

Level 4: Semi-Urgent

Headache

Level 5: Non-Urgent

Sore Throat

When to go to the ED:

If you or someone in your care has an urgent medical condition or is experiencing a health crisis, go to the nearest ED or call 9-1-1.  

 

Examples of an urgent/critical medical condition are: 

  • Discomfort or tightness in the chest

  • Unusual shortness of breath

  • Abdominal pain

  • A prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness

  • An injury that may require stitches or may involve a broken bone

  • Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting (especially a child)

If you are displaying mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19, please do NOT visit an Emergency Department. Instead, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment by visiting www.gnb.ca/coronavirus or call Tele-Care 811:

  • describe your symptoms and travel history; and

  • follow any instructions carefully.

What to Expect at the ED

ED Redirect Program: Helping to Reduce Wait Times

SAINT JOHN AREA RESIDENTS:
The Urgent Care Centre at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital
 

The Urgent Care Centre offers care to patients of all ages who have unexpected non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring urgent, same-day medical attention and treatment. It is an alternative to Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department.

Like the Emergency Department, the Urgent Care Centre triages and treats patients according to a "worse-first" approach.

The Urgent Care Centre team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, who have immediate access to diagnostic testing such as X-rays and ultrasounds for urgent services to patients where appropriate.

 

Some types of illness and injuries treated at this centre include: cuts, abrasions, ear aches, fever, minor burns, abdomen, pelvic or back pain and simple fractures.

Learn more about Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital Urgent Care Centre here.
 

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