Emergency medicine

What to expect at the Emergency Department

When you arrive at our emergency departments (ED), we will see you as soon as possible based on how urgent your condition is. This means patients in more serious condition may be treated first, so there can sometimes be a wait. We understand this can be stressful, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Our emergency team will assess your condition and arrange any tests or treatment you need.

After reviewing your results, we will either admit you for further care or discharge you home.

We request that patients have only one visitor or support person accompanying them in the ED.

What to bring

If possible, please bring your:

• Medicare card
• concession or entitlement cards such as health care, pension, veterans or safety net cards
• private health insurance details
• current medication list
• relevant X-rays, ultrasounds or scans
• GP details
• employer contact details if your condition is covered by Workers’ Compensation
• passport and health insurance details if you are an overseas visitor or student

What if I have more concerns?

If at any time you feel your condition is deteriorating or you have concerns about your care please:

• speak to your nursing caregiver
• press your call bell
• ask for the nurse in charge.

We care about your feedback

An SMS will be sent to you after you’re discharged, asking you to rate your experience. We encourage and value all feedback.

How your rating is measured:

• 0 to 6: our service did not meet your expectations
• 7 to 8: our service needs improvements
• 9 to 10: our service met or exceeded your expectations.

All feedback, both positive and negative, is shared with our caregivers and teams to continually improve the care we offer to the community.