Emergency Department Welcome Guide
Saint Mary's Hospital
On behalf of Saint Mary’s Hospital, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the Emergency Department. Our clinical team consists of emergency providers, nurses, and nursing support staff. While in the Emergency Department your care may also include support from nonclinical roles including, security, patient access, radiology, and many others. Our dynamic team provides exceptional care for patients who are experiencing medical or behavioral emergencies. Your experience is important to us, and we will work hard to ensure your hospital stay is as pleasant as possible.
Contact Information:
- Emergency Room Main Number: 203-709-6001
- Clinical Nurse Manager: Leah Knecht, 203-709-6490
- Clinical Senior Advisor: Molly Leeper, 203-709-6487
- Clinical Senior Advisor: Crystal Gerace, 203-709-3877
- Director of Emergency Services: Arla Washenko, 203-709-6709
- Medical Director: Kent Burgwardt, D.O. & Mark Notash, M.D., 203-709-6737
Care Team Members
You will see multiple different team members during your stay. Here are a few ways to help you identify them.
RN
LPN
PCA/ER Tech
- Registered Nurses (RN) – Royal Blue Scrubs
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Light Blue Scrubs
- Patient Care Assistants (PCA) - Maroon Scrubs
- Respiratory Therapists - Grey Scrubs
- Transport - Green Scrubs
- Environmental Services - Navy Blue Scrubs
- Case Management - White Coat
Our pediatricians are available during abbreviated hours and offer emergency pediatric care, the only one of its kind in the region. Our pediatric emergency physicians are double board certified in general pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, bringing with them a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Emergency Department Process
Step One: Welcome and Patient Triage
Triage is the process of sorting patients based on major or minor illnesses and/or injuries. The triage nurse will briefly speak with patients and care givers about the reason for the visit in the Emergency Department. A registration clerk will enter the patient’s information into the computer system, and place identification bracelets on patients. Patients may also see a triage provider in this area to get their care started. A more thorough evaluation will be done once the patient is in a treatment area.
Step Two: Getting to a Treatment Area
A Treatment Area is a designated space to receive care. There are multiple treatment areas in the Emergency Department. Wait times may be different based upon which area you are waiting in and what tests, test results, and/or consults you may be waiting for. All patients should wait before having anything to eat or drink. Eating or drinking before care could delay testing and increase wait time. Patient specific white boards are in each room where names of staff caring for each patient and their plan of care can be written.
Step Three: The Care Process
Once in a treatment area, patients will be assisted to change into a hospital gown. This allows the nurses and providers to do a thorough evaluation. Patients will be asked about their health history, allergies, and medications. Blood work and testing may be ordered based on current symptoms and health history. Test results may take one or more hours and can vary depending on type of test.
Approximate Result Wait Times:
- Blood Tests: 1-2 hours
- Urine Tests: 1 hour
- CT Scans: 1-2 hours
- X-Rays: 1-2 hours
- MRIs: 2-6 hours
Step Four: Admitting and Discharge
The decision for patients to be admitted or discharged depends on various factors like test results, consultations, and patient symptoms.
If a Patient is Admitted:
A member of the inpatient hospital team will evaluate the patient. The bed placement team will work with the inpatient team to facilitate movement to the inpatient unit when a bed is available. If an inpatient bed is not readily available, the Emergency Department nursing team will work with the inpatient hospital team to provide/coordinate care while in the Emergency Department.
If a Patient is Discharged:
A nurse or provider will review discharge instructions, medications, and if necessary, referrals with the patient and/or caregivers.
How to Request Help
Patient Requesting Help:
- To reach the nursing staff- push the RED button at the top of your call bell, the person answering the call bell will find your nurse for assistance.
- CALL! Don’t Fall! Safety is our priority.
Staff Requesting Help:
- Our nursing team may utilize a device that allows us to communicate with hospital staff, and even outside resources, quickly and efficiently, ensuring you get the most immediate care and attention available. You may see some of our staff wearing a small white or black device around their necks called the Vocera Communication Badge. Vocera is a voice-activated, hands-free tool that allows users to keep working while communicating with each other.
Language Services
Trinity Health Of New England provides free Language Services to all patients and companions to ensure effective communication; this includes Telephonic Interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting, and in-person interpreting services. Your care team will work to arrange any needed services.
Personal Property
Safety is our priority. We highly encourage sending any valuables (money, jewelry, etc.) home or placed in the safe. Home medications may not be kept in patient rooms and must either be sent home or placed in the safe. Please note: Saint Mary’s Hospital is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal belongings.
Safety
We have a zero-tolerance policy against any threatening or aggressive behavior from or toward patients, staff or visitors in this facility. Assaults and/or threats against patients or staff could result in arrest and/or criminal prosecution per CT Statute: Public Act #11-175, an act concerning workplace violence prevention and response in health care settings.
Patient Experience
If you would like to recognize a member of your care team, please ask to speak to the leadership team or charge nurse. You may also fill out a DAISY Award nomination to recognize a specific nurse who modeled compassion, skill, and dedication to patient care.
If you have concerns or feel that your needs are not being met, please reach out to a member of the unit leadership team. Additionally, you can ask to speak to the charge nurse at any time. If you have concerns while you are in the hospital, please share them with your care team; they will gladly help resolve them and/or include the appropriate leader to help.
If you have concerns that were not addressed by the leadership team during your stay, you may contact Patient Relations by phone at 203-709-6236 or via email at SMHPatientExp@trinityhealthofne.org. Your experience is important to us.
You may receive a survey by mail, e-mail, or text. We want to hear from you, please share your experience with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Departments do not typically provide medication refills. Please contact your primary care provider.
Notes may be written by the providers. It is best to request a note before discharge.
There is a free parking lot next to the Emergency Department entrance. If the lot is full, please speak with security.
If you have questions regarding diagnosis or how to continue care after an Emergency Department visit, please call 203-709-6001.