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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. 

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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)

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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.

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

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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.

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

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