When you arrive at the ED, you will be asked for some basic information to complete your registration. A nurse will see you, ask additional questions, take your vital signs and determine the severity of your condition. Everyone who comes to our ED will be seen, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.

Triage

We use a process called triage to determine which patients are the sickest, and need the most immediate medical attention. For this reason, it is possible that patients who come in after you may be seen first. If there is a delay, please be aware that we know you are here and will see you as quickly as possible.

Documentation

Our documentation process for your record is completed on the computer. This computerized method improves patient safety and confidentiality.

Waiting

Our staff is committed to seeing and treating all patients as quickly as possible. We will treat on a first-come, first-served basis when possible. Sometimes, many emergency patients arrive at once or a patient’s medical condition may require that he or she be seen right away. This may cause a delay in your being seen. We will do everything possible to make you comfortable while we work to provide all patients with appropriate medical attention. Please let us know if there is something you need while you wait.

Once You Are Seen

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. We ask that you cooperate with this request so that we can take care of you as efficiently as possible. If a family member or friend accompanies you into the examination area, that person should remain with you at all times. Visitors are limited to one or two and are not permitted to wander in the ED corridors or go into another patient’s room; this helps ensure the privacy of all of our patients.

Our ED Staff

Every patient seen in the ED is assigned a nurse who will keep them informed about their care, provide medications, treatments and education.

Patients will also be assigned an attending physician (MD) who is board-certified in emergency medicine or a physician’s assistant (PA), advanced practitioner registered nurse (APRN) or resident physician (MD) under the supervision of the attending physician depending upon the medical assessment. The practitioner assigned to you is fully trained to assess your problem and control any discomfort you may be experiencing. He or she may recommend tests, treatment or bring in a specialist for consultation.

Tests

Medical tests are an essential tool in helping us understand how to help you, but they can take up to several hours to be performed, processed and analyzed. Sufficient time is essential to ensure they are done correctly.

Consultants

If your physician feels it is necessary, he or she may call in a specialist for consultation on a particular problem you may have. Your health care provider will speak with you about this decision and will work together with the specialist to make sure you have an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. Consultants may be seeing other patients, or may be away from the hospital. They will handle your case as quickly as possible. Your doctor or nurse will advise you of any potential delay.

While You Are Here

When you are in the ED, please let us know if you have any questions about the care you are receiving or if you have any concerns.

For your convenience the following services are available:

• In our waiting area you will find restrooms, public telephones, television, and TTY. Wireless access is available in the main waiting area as well as in treatment areas.
• Food services and snack machines are located outside the ED entrance and nearby on the main floor of the hospital.
• An interfaith chapel, gift shop and additional seating are located in the lobby of the hospital.

We try to accommodate visitors, but due to privacy, space or safety issues, it may be necessary to limit visitors. This decision is at the discretion of the staff.

Admitted to the Hospital

If your doctor determines you need to be admitted to the hospital, an admitting resident physician will be contacted to evaluate you. Once this process is completed and admission orders are written, an inpatient bed will be requested. This process may take several hours to complete. During this time the ED staff will continue to care for you and keep you informed of any delays. Please let us know if there is something you need during this time.

Personal Belongings

UConn Health is not responsible for personal belongings. If you are admitted to the hospital, we strongly urge you to have your family members/friends take these belongings home. Please be aware that there is a hospital safe for such items as jewelry or credit cards that can not be sent home. You will be given a receipt for items placed in the safe.

Going Home

Once you are treated, your doctor or nurse will provide you with a plan for care at home. It is very important to follow these instructions. You should fill any prescriptions you are given right away, and use the medication as directed.

When you leave the hospital, you may need further care. You could be scheduled for follow-up visits or we may phone you the next day to check-up on your progress. A copy of your ED visit will be sent to your primary care physician.

Caring doesn’t stop at the exit door; we strongly recommend you return if your condition changes or worsens. Please call us at 860-679-2588 if you have any questions after you leave.