If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
When a medical emergency occurs, seconds count. Alton Memorial Hospital has you covered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are staffed around the clock by experienced emergency medicine physicians, and are equipped to handle some of the most serious medical emergencies. Our facilities and technology allow our providers to make fast and accurate diagnoses, and provide prompt treatment and life-saving care in a calm and compassionate setting.
Noted for its excellence in emergency medicine, Alton Memorial Hospital operates one of the busiest emergency departments in the Metro East area, yet each patient receives timely and attentive care. All of our doctors and nurses are sensitive to the diverse populations we serve, and are attuned to the unique needs and fears these patients can bring to the Emergency Department. In 2014, we treated over 42,000 patients.
Alton Memorial Hospital is Stroke certified by the Joint Commission and the State of Illinois. When you or a loved one is suffering a stroke, time is critical to prevent irreparable damage to the brain or death. As a certified Primary Stoke Center, Alton Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing the specialized care needed to treat stroke. Speed is critical in treating stroke patients. Time lost is brain lost.
Alton Memorial Hospital is recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics.
Your Visit
Whether you've been to an emergency department before or not, we want to make you as comfortable as possible while keeping you informed about all aspects of your care. Your visit may take some time, so we ask for your understanding -- we will take care of you as quickly as possible.
What to expect during your visit:
Triage: Nurses assess the patient's injury or illness
- Patients with the most urgent, life-threatening medical conditions are treated immediately
- Patients with less severe conditions may be asked to wait in the waiting area until the next treatment room is available
Registration:
· For your safety we will ask for 5 unique identifiers upon arrival at the ED
· A bedside full registration will then be completed for accuracy of information for any follow-up with care
· For your safety we will ask for a photo ID and recent insurance card
Treatment: An emergency physician begins treatment
- Patients might need an EKG, lab tests, X-rays or other procedures
- Patients might receive medications
- Patients might require a consultation by a specialist physician
Final Steps: Patients are either discharged or admitted
- Patients might be discharged to return home with instructions to visit our Discharge Window to process paperwork prior to leaving
- Patients might be admitted to the hospital for further care
- Patients will receive important information and education counseling about their discharge or admission; if discharged, patients will receive a referral for follow-up care from their primary care physician
Healing Environment
We know visiting the emergency department can be stressful, so we make every effort to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Our family waiting area features a television and vending machines.
Our Promise
You will receive the best treatment while in our care. If there is anything we can do to make your experience more positive, please do not hesitate to talk to one of the emergency department staff.