The MMHS $3 million Emergency Department expansion and renovation project enhanced emergency services and doubled the size of the former facility. The new emergency department serves more than 44,000 patients annually. The new facility has over 12,000 square feet of space and contains 39 treatment stations. The MMHS Emergency Department is currently seeking Trauma designation by the American College of Surgeons and is ranked above the 90th percentile nationally for patient satisfaction.

Services

• Enhanced trauma service center
• New X-ray Department
• Two seclusion areas
• MRI and ‘State-of-the-Science’ CT scanner
• In-room televisions
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Renovated and ‘kid-friendly’ pediatrics care area
• Private central triage
• Central nurses’ station
• Fast track emergency care for acute illness or injury
• Decontamination shower secluded from emergency department
• Helipad in the event patient’s condition requires a larger trauma center

Staff

• Donald Brock, D.O., FACEP, Medical Director of the Emergency Department brings over 17 years of emergency medicine experience to Mercy Memorial Hospital System. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Brock has been involved in implementing best practices, 30-minute guarantees, electronic medical records, quality review programs, fast tracks, American College of Emergency Physicians’ triage guidelines and protocols, a 50 percent reduction in ‘door-to-physician’ time and 60 percent reduction in length of stay for patients. Dr. Brock is committed to instituting best practices, improving service operations, staff friendliness and ultimately improving patient care at MMHS.
  Dr. Brock serves on the National College of Emergency Medicine’s Examining Board and Practice Management Committee and was the Emergency Physician of the Year in 2005 for the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians.
  
  
• MMHS has nine board-certified Emergency Specialists on staff.
  
  
• All nurses are certified in trauma and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, have earned the ENPC certification (Emergency Nurses Pediatric Course) and TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course).
  
  

What to Expect in the Emergency Department
The Emergency Department staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, nurses, paramedics, monitor technicians and registration clerks. The department is staffed 24-hours daily to assist you should an emergency occur. Emergencies vary in the level of severity. You may have a minor cut or sprain. Or, it is possible that you are experiencing a more serious emergency such as a stroke or heart attack. In any event, you can expect to receive the highest level of care in our Emergency Department.

• Triage and Registration
  Patients arrive in the Emergency Department by ambulance or private vehicle. You are assessed immediately to determine the severity and nature of the emergency. More serious injuries and illnesses are addressed first. Unlike a traditional physician’s office, patients may not be treated in the order of arrival. Wait times may vary. However, we now have an ‘adult fast track’ process in place to care for acute injuries.
  
  In the triage area there is a nurse responsible for obtaining a brief medical history, name and date of birth. After being seen in this area, you are taken directly to a room where bedside triage and final registration takes place. If your condition is serious, you may be taken directly to a treatment area and seen by a physician immediately. You may be attached to monitoring equipment to view your heart activity and vital signs.
  
  
• Tests
  The physician orders tests to further investigate the nature of your illness or condition. This may include an x-ray, blood work or other tests. The physician reviews the results from the tests and explains the findings to you. Occasionally, more tests may be necessary.
• Treatment
  Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may be simple or complex. You will receive immediate treatment by either a physician or a nurse. The time frame could range from a few minutes to a few hours.
  
  
• Determination, Discharge and Admission
  The physician determines if you are to be discharged from the Emergency Department or admitted into the hospital. The Emergency physician may provide information to your family physician or specialist about your treatment.
  
  -If you are discharged, you may receive a copy of your discharge instructions; these outline the actions the physician suggests that you take to improve your condition. You also receive a prescription if it is applicable. The Emergency Department staff answers any questions that you may have about your care or treatment. .
  
  -If you are admitted to the hospital, you will be transported to a room to receive continued care. A room may be available immediately. If there is no immediate availability, you will be transported as soon as a room is prepared.
  
  -It is the expectation of the MMHS Emergency Department staff that all patients receive the highest quality of care and service possible. If a patient’s experience is less than excellent, the Emergency Department Physician and Nursing Leadership is available 24 hours a day to address the patient’s concerns.