Healthy Life
It’s normal to panic during an emergency but here’s what you need to know about emergency centres. Kareema Baard, patient administration manager at Mediclinic Vergelegen explains.
What is an emergency centre?
Every hospital is different – some are bigger and have larger emergency centres, while others simply have one room. However, you’ll always enter through the emergency centre entrance and then be directed by a nursing practitioner once you’ve been assessed and admitted on where to go next – so there is no need to be unsure. At Mediclinic Vergelegen, for example, the emergency centre consists of a two-bed resuscitation room, a paediatric room, four beds inside the unit and two beds in our procedure room. The centre is staffed by a doctor 24-hours a day and always ready to handle any emergency.
I’ve arrived at the emergency centre – what can I expect? What happens from the moment I walk in to when I see the doctor?
When you arrive at the emergency centre you’ll be assessed by a trained nursing practitioner who will then be able to identify where you need to go. If you’ve been to a Mediclinic hospital before, the reception administrator will confirm your details and update them (if necessary). Next a file is opened on the system and you’re ready to see the next available doctor. However, if it’s an emergency and the doctor has to see you immediately, the file will be opened as soon as you’re stabilised.
How can I make sure that I’m prepared when I arrive at the emergency centre?
If you have medical aid make sure you have your card with you, as well as your drivers licence, ID or passport – documentation you should be carrying at all times. If you’re a private paying patient, you’ll have to pay an estimated cost on admission.
What happens if the accident happened at work?
Should the accident happen at work, you must have your ID document, WCL2 employers report, transport questionnaire (if you were involved in a moving vehicle accident) and/or assault questionnaire (if assaulted on duty). Your employer must complete these documents.
And what if it’s my child?
If your child is still a minor (younger than 18 years), you as the mother, father, guardian or adult responsible for them must accompany them. Again, make sure you have your medical aid card, ID or passport with you.