The Emergency Department is staffed 24-hours a day by nurses and physicians experienced in treating emergency medical and surgical conditions. Any unexpected illness can be cared for rapidly and expertly.
When you enter the Emergency Department, you will be seen by a nurse skilled in assessing your symptoms. Some initial tests may be taken at this time and you will be placed in the first available room. Patients may be assigned to 1 of 3 different areas within the Emergency Department, depending on the severity of your illness. Individuals who arrive after you may be taken to a room before you. A team of fully qualified nurses, resident physicians, and a supervising "Attending" Emergency Medicine specialist will interview and examine you. We will make every effort to make your visit in the Emergency Department as brief and as comfortable as possible, but we pride ourselves on being thorough. It is possible that you will be in the Emergency Department for several hours. We promise excellent care, compassion, and access to information.
Fast Track
Patients who do not have signs of life-threatening illness may be seen in our Fast Track area. This area is staffed by Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses with Master's degree education and advanced training. Waiting time in this area is usually minimal unless x-rays, blood/urine testing or consultation with an MD or specialist is required.
Interpreter Services
The Brigham and Women's Hospital has the ability to provide an interpreter for most languages 24-hours a day. Our interpreters are highly skilled in medical interviewing. The Emergency Department relies on their services even if a family member is capable of speaking English and translating.
Food Services
The Emergency Department is a patient care area and food of any sort is not allowed here or in any of the waiting areas (except as nourishment for patients under strict physician supervision). Patients must not eat or drink anything unless their physician or nurse has given them permission. Family members and visitors should eat in the Au Bon Pain restaurant in the main lobby, or in the hospital cafeteria in Tower Level 2.
Communication
Every patient room has a telephone for local calls and our staff will help in contacting your family should you want us to do so. We will usually communicate with your personal physician during your visit. Some health plans require that we notify them of your visit. Our staff will keep you informed of the progress of your visit and plans to remedy your problem both during and after your stay.
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