Emergency Department

The Emergency Department at St. Michael’s Hospital is open from 08.00 to 20.00 seven days a week.

Priority is given to patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Patients may arrive by ambulance or may self present. Patients will also be referred by their general practitioners.

On arrival, a receptionist is on duty to greet the patient and collect essential registration details so that a set of medical records can be prepared. Details will include particulars such as name, date of birth, address, GP’s phone number, PPS number. Previous charts and records can be retrieved. Patients are then assessed and triaged by a nurse and given a priority rating which will determine the urgency with which they will be seen.

Staff make every effort to keep patients and their families or friends updated with information on waiting times. Once seen by a doctor there may be a further wait for diagnostic tests such as blood tests or x-rays if required.The Emergency Department at St Michael’s Hospital caters for patients over the age of 14 years.

Lead emergency department clinician: Mr Nigel Salter