Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine Department
Our fully-staffed Emergency Department provides 24-hour physician coverage to handle trauma and major emergencies. It also offers low-cost minor emergency treatment and industrial medicine services. For more information call (580) 531-4756.
Emergency medicine is a medical specialty in which a physician receives practical training to care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute interventions to stabilize the patient. At Southwestern Medical Center, the Emergency Department is staffed with emergency medical professionals and is available 24-hours every day. Emergency medicine should not be substituted for general practice. By law, emergency departments may not be able to treat non-emergent medical issues.
The ER Goal Our goal at Southwestern Medical Center is for you to have access 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, to qualified physicians who take the time to listen to what you have to say. You will be greeted warmly by nurses who are truly compassionate and a registration staff that understands that people come before paperwork.
Our team of trained physicians, nurses and technicians are able to provide fast, quality care. They will listen to you, examine you carefully and prescribe a treatment plan that you will understand and believe in.
At our emergency department, we are committed to providing quality service by meeting the needs of our patients and their families with courtesy and respect. Your emergency experience at Southwestern Medical Center should be one of care, concern and attention to your emotional and physical needs. It is our goal not only to meet our patients’ needs, but also to exceed the expectations of the people in the community we serve.
Southwestern Medical Center Emergency Services
You deserve more and that is exactly what Southwestern Medical Center’s ER gives you:
- More service in a patient friendly environment
- More technology that is critical to treating special cases
- More specialized care by highly skilled emergency medicine doctors
- And more convenience with our easily accessible location
Southwestern Medical Center proudly opened the doors of its newly-renovated Emergency Department in December 2004, presenting a beautifully decorated, state-of-the-art facility to the Southwestern community. Over the last few years, the extensive planning and construction that went into the project have paid off, enabling SWMC to efficiently serve the thousands of patients who have come through its doors seeking emergency care.
The SWMC Emergency Department is a Level II Trauma Center with 21 treatment rooms, including three cardiac/trauma beds, and orthopedic room, a room for expectant mothers and one just for children. There is also a special hazardous materials area with its own entrance for patients who may be contaminated with a hazardous substance. The department is always open and staffed around the clock with doctors, nurses and support staff who are specialized in emergency care.
Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, patients are evaluated by a registered nurse who is trained in triage. Triage is a system of classifying patients on a priority basis so that those who are most critically ill will be cared for first. Because emergencies cannot be scheduled, there are times when a number of patients will be cared for at the same time. This may also increase waiting time, but rest assured that each patient is seen as quickly as possible. Two family members may wait in the Emergency Department with each patient. Other family members and visitors may wait in the Emergency Waiting Area, located next to the treatment area.
Upon discharge, patients are given a discharge instruction sheet. In addition, the emergency staff calls to check on many patients at home during the 24 hours following their Emergency Department visit. Of course, patients or family members are welcome to contact the department with any questions or problems.
Many times an illness or injury can be treated at your physician’s office more effectively and less expensively than through the Emergency Department, which is set up to care for medical emergencies. If you are unsure whether or not you need immediate medical treatment, call your family doctor. This is especially important if you are insured by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), most of which require authorization by your primary care physician for an emergency room visit.
There’s never a convenient time to have an emergency, but if it does happen to you or a member of your family, it’s nice to know that a quality facility such as the Emergency Department at Southwestern Medical Center exists in your area, just in case.
Your comments and concerns are welcome. Please call the SWMC Emergency Department, Director of Patient Care Services at (580) 531-4756.
Here When You Need Us
No one plans to visit the emergency department. It just happens, and usually when you least expect it. Southwestern Medical Center is a Level 3 Trauma Center with state of the art patient care for acute illnesses and chronic diseases to communities in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rapid transport of patients via helicopter is available, should the need arise.
Our ER houses 12 private treatment rooms, a pediatric waiting room, and specially designed pediatric exam room. Additionally, custom-designed OB/GYN exam rooms allow maximum privacy. A separate bereavement room allows privacy for families. Southwestern Medical Center is also prepared to manage potential industrial accidents with a large decontamination room for treating chemical exposure.
At Southwestern Medical Center we know your time is valuable. Not only do you want great care when coming to an ER but you also want to get in and out as quickly as possible. That is why we developed the Fast Track program. The Fast Track process will allow patients with non-urgent complaints and minor illnesses to be seen more quickly and improve the overall flow of patients through the Emergency Department.
Our team of trained physicians, nurses and technicians are able to provide fast, quality care. They will listen to you, examine you carefully and prescribe a treatment plan that you will understand and believe in.
At our emergency department, we are committed to providing quality service by meeting the needs of our patients and their families with courtesy and respect. Your emergency experience at Southwestern Medical Center should be one of care, concern and attention to your emotional and physical needs. It is our goal not only to meet our patients’ needs, but also to exceed the expectations of the people in the community we serve.
Whether you have a minor injury/illness or a life threatening event, Southwestern Medical Center’s ER is equipped, ready, and able to meet the needs of your next emergency.