Emergency Services

Wherever you are in Johnston County, we have you covered.

Our emergency departments in Smithfield and Clayton are open around the clock and staffed with board certified emergency physicians. Our staff is trained to quickly check in and evaluate patients. We have triage rooms where nurses assess patients' conditions, private treatment rooms equipped to handle general emergencies, and observation rooms to accommodate patients who need extended stays.

What to expect when you come to the E.D.

Why must I wait for treatment in the ED?
People wait in the emergency department for many reasons. Some of these include:

• The sickest patients are seen first
• Overcrowding due to epidemic such as flu, or critical patients arriving by ambulance
• Unlike a doctor's office where appointments are scheduled, many patients may arrive at once
• Waiting for X-rays and blood test results, some tests take longer than others
• Waiting for consultations from specialists

How long can I expect to be in the ED?
When you check into to the ED, a nurse will grade your condition by severity - this is called triage. Patients with life-threatening conditions are seen first and those with breathing problems, heart attacks, stroke symptoms and other high risk complaints are evaluated by our doctors without delay. Once in the treatment area, your total stay will depend on your symptoms, illness, and whether a doctor decides you need to be admitted to the hospital. Your stay may be longer if many tests are ordered or you need to be checked after medications have been given. It is important to remember that the very best care takes time and patience.

Why are some patients seen first?
Our first priority is to take care of critical patients with life threatening conditions. ED nurses are specially training to work in the triage area and can quickly determine who requires an immediate evaluation. They will ask you questions about why you came in and then check your blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, and temperature. You may also have an EKG, X-rays and blood tests, while you wait to see the doctor. The doctor will review the results once you are in the treatment area.

Do long waits affect treatment outcomes?
Our ED nurses and doctors work very hard to make sure no one waits so long that it will affect the severity of illness or injury. Sometimes, patients wait longer than we would like but if you feel your condition has worsened before we provide care, please let someone know. We will evaluate your symptoms again. It is important for you to know that an empty visitor area doesn't mean that the ED is not busy. Ambulances bring patients through a different entrance and some who arrive by ambulance may be placed in the visitor area for completion of triage.

Visitors
We ask that you limit your visitors to two family members. If the ED is experiencing a high number of patients, your visitors may be asked to return to the visitor area. Parents and guardians are requested to stay with a sick child or impaired adult at risk throughout their emergency care.

Your care team
The team caring for your today includes a board certified emergency doctor, registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Our lab and X-ray professionals, respiratory and cardiology technicians support the emergency team throughout your stay.

Release from the ED
When you are discharged, please report to the checkout area to be sure we have your correct information. If you have been given medication that will affect your ability to drive, make sure to arrange for safe transportation home with a friend or family member. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation home while we care for other patients. Our goal is to provide each patient with care of the highest quality. If you are dissatisfied with your care, please inform your nurse or doctor before you leave so that we can address any concerns you may have.

Please give us your feedback!
After you are treated and released, you may receive a survey regarding your experience in our Emergency Department. Please complete the survey and return it as soon as you are feeling better. We value your feedback and we will use your comments to identify areas we can improve. We encourage you to recognize any of our staff members who may have gone above and beyond to provide you excellent care.

Locations

Johnston Medical Center-Smithfield
Emergency Services
509 N. Bright Leaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-8170

Johnston Medical Center-Clayton
Emergency Services
2138 NC Hwy 42 W.
Clayton, NC 27520
919-585-8000