Your Visit to the Emergency Department
BCMH emergency care staff are committed to providing quality patient care in an emergency setting. Our Emergency Department physicians are contract providers through Electric City Emergency Physicians, LLC.
The hospital is committed to providing a safe environment. Patients can expect the following when presenting to the emergency room:
What to Expect During a Visit to the Emergency Room
The Emergency Department (ED) at Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) provides care for your illness or injury 24 hours a day. The ED is here to stabilize acute, sudden injury or illness. Chronic health care issues are best managed by your primary health care provider.
Physicians, Registered Nurses and Paramedics, all with advance emergency training and certifications, provide your care in the ED. Qualified physicians are contracted to provide service in the ED. Resources and equipment specific to the need of the emergency patient are available here. All patients presenting will receive a medical stabilizing exam and stabilizing treatment.
What to Expect upon Arrival
Most ED patients are immediately taken to a room on their arrival. During times of high volume or acuity, patients are triaged to determine the priority in which they are seen and may be asked to wait in the ED lobby. The wait for an emergency physician will vary depending on volume and acuity or seriousness of the condition. The average ED wait time is measured continuously at BCMH and is considerably shorter than the national average, so we encourage you to wait. If you choose to leave at any time during your care, please let your nurse know.
What to Expect After Being Admitted
After the physician sees you, he may order testing and treatment to include laboratory, radiology and respiratory care. Many of these tests have a defined time period that is required to complete and be returned in order for the physician to review. Following stabilizing treatment, you may be discharged, admitted to the hospital, or transferred to another facility. Discharge instructions will be provided and may include prescriptions to be filled or a need for follow-up care. We encourage all discharged patients to make an appointment to see your primary health care provider soon, following discharge – this is very important to your on-going health care.
BCMH provides paramedic (advanced life support) ambulance service to the residents of Bates County. On occasion, we utilize third parties to assist with patient transports, including air and ground ambulance services. To request an ambulance in an emergency, please call 911.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need to speak with someone in our Emergency Department, please call 660-200-7050.
Real-Time Text (RTT) for the hearing and speech impaired: 660-464-0303
Bates County Ambulance: 660-200-7070
If you have an emergency, please dial 911.