In an emergency

Emergency department Waikato Hospital Healthline

Emergency Management

Emergency department Waikato Hospital

We will try and make your stay as comfortable as possible. during your stay you will have your problem assessed and treatment started. For many people this will involve some tests, xrays and investigations. In order to give you the best possible care, (unless your problem is very simple), you can expect to stay for 4-6 hours. This may be longer if the department is very busy.

When you first arrive your condition will be assessed by a triage nurse. The doctor will be informed that you have arrived and we will bring you through to a bed as soon as possible.

Priority is given to those whose presenting problem is considered serious, over those with a minor complaint. Therefore time of arrival is not considered a priority.

All patients have a responsibility

• to tell the staff if they do not understand what they have been told about the treatment and care
• to tell their doctors of any known change in their health
• to show consideration for other patients and staff
• to ask the staff for assistance if they have any questions or problems. They will refer you to the best person to help you
• to comply with the hospital's 'No Smoking Policy' and 'Visitors Policy'
• to cooperate to the best of their ability with the care they are receiving.

Maori Health Advocate

Please ask the receptionist or your primary nurse to contact the service.

Comfort

Please let your nurse know if you are in pain, need extra blankets or are uncomfortable in any way. We can provide simple pain relief and comfort as soon as we are able. Because department is often in overload, you may be asked to spend part of your stay on a bed in the corridor or experience long waits. We do apologise for this. It does not mean that you have been forgotten or that your problem is not important. If you are feeling concerned, please let a nurse know.

If, while you are waiting, you feel your condition is worsening, please speak to the nurse.

If you do not know what is happening at any time, please feel free to as your nurse.

Going home

Before you leave, check that you are happy with the following:

• I know what is wrong with me
• I will be able to manage at home
• I have my prescription (if needed) and I know where to go to pick up my medicine
• I know how to care for my illness / injury at home
• I have transport home
• I know what follow up care I will need (e.g. an outpatient appointment or a visit to the family doctor)
• my pain is under control
• I have a copy of my discharge summary form and my ACC form.

If your condition worsens or does not progress satisfactorily once you go home, please contact your GP or return to the Emergency Department. If your need is urgent, please call an ambulance on 111 (24 hours).

We have a zero tolerance policy to physical, emotional and verbal abuse. ALL persons who demonstrate this behaviour will be asked to leave the premises.

Healthline

0800 611 116

www.healthline.govt.nz

Healthline is a free, 24 hour a day telephone advice health advice service which now includes the Well Child telephone advice service.

• Healthline registered nurses assess a person’s condition and health needs and recommend the best course of action and a time-frame in which to take action. They can also provide general health information and location of services.
  
  
• The Healthline service including the Well Child line provides parenting advice, child health promotion and health education.