Emergency Services
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Health Resources
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When you’re looking for convenient, comprehensive Emergency Services, look to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. With an experienced emergency physician on duty 24-hours a day and a staff of registered nurses trained for emergency situations, the Emergency Department at Trinity Hospital of Augusta makes every second count. Your family will find efficient, competent care for accidents and threatening conditions for patients of all ages. Our staff has created an Emergency Department our patients can put their trust in.
Life after the ER: Following your physician's orders keeps you healthy
When you’re not feeling well and you’re surrounded by the hustle and bustle of an emergency room, it’s easy to be confused by what a physician is telling you. All you can think about is going home. That’s why many people are unclear about how to handle their care when they leave the hospital.
In reality, the care you receive at the hospital is just one important part of the puzzle. Knowing what to do next— and following those discharge instructions closely—is critical to getting better. Here’s what you need to do for the best health care results:
- Speak up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure of your condition, what treatments you were given, your test results or something in the discharge instructions—for example, whether a medication that’s been prescribed may interact with one you’re already taking. It’s best to ask the ER physician caring for you, rather than having to contact the ER later, when the physician you saw may no longer be on duty.
- Follow all medication dosages. Thoroughly read your discharge instructions. They should spell out what medications have been prescribed, what they treat and how often—and when—to take them.
- Follow up with your family physician or a specialist. You’ll especially need to do this if you’ve received stitches or a cast. Your discharge instructions will tell you when to go. Double-check with your physician to make sure information about your ER visit, including test results, has been sent to his or her office before your appointment.
- Know when you should return to the ER. If your condition worsens or you’re noticing new symptoms, such as vomiting or shortness of breath, you should head back to the ER. If your condition isn’t life-threatening and it’s during your physician’s regular business hours, you may wish to consult him or her first.