Frequently Asked Questions - St. Vincent's University Hospital (2024)

What is emergency medicine?

Emergency medicine is a speciality with the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and management of acute and urgent illness and injury affecting patients of all age groups with a full spectrum of episodic undifferentiated physical and behavioural disorders. [International Federation for Emergency Medicine].

Do I need to go to the Emergency Department? Can I visit a GP out of hours?

Is there any other Emergency Department I can go to?

Can I access any health information online about my symptoms?

What should I bring with me to the Emergency Department?

What are your opening hours?

The Emergency Department in St. Vincent’s University Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I’m looking for information on a relative/friend/neighbour who is a patient, who can I call?

We encourage patients to stay in touch with relatives directly to keep them updated as phoning the Emergency Department can distract nurses and doctors from providing care to the patients. If this is not possible we would ask that you nominate one member of the family to act as a liaison with the Emergency Department. We are unfortunately only able to give very limited information over the ‘phone in the interests of respecting patient confidentiality

Do you treat children?

The Emergency Department at St. Vincent’s University Hospital caters for patients aged 16 years and older.

How much does it cost to attend the Emergency Department?

How long will I be waiting?

We aim to see patients as soon as we can. Some patients with a less serious problem may have to wait a little longer. Our dedicated Fast Track area is available for patients with less serious injuries where our standard is to get patients seen and discharged within two hours of arrival. The length of time a patient will be waiting will depend on their complaint and how sick they are. It is not possible for us to give a precise time, but a member of the nursing staff will make an assessment on arrival and allocate one of our clinical team who will see patients at the earliest possible opportunity.

When is the Emergency Department busiest?

The busiest hour for people attending is between 11.00 and 12.00 noon. However, as many of these patients require tests and treatment, the department gets busier as the afternoon progresses. We do however have more doctors working during these peak times as well as our dedicated Fast Track area which is open throughout the day.

Can I be fast tracked?

Patients with a minor injury may be eligible to be seen in our Fast Track area

I have a letter from my GP, will I be seen any quicker?

Having a letter from your GP will certainly help us to provide you with the most appropriate care. However you will still need to be reviewed by a triage nurse when you arrive, who will assign you with a triage category. This clinical assessment at triage determines the order in which you will be seen.

If I phone can you tell me if I need to attend the Emergency Department?

Unfortunately we are not able to give medical advice over the phone. We encourage patients to contact their GPs in the first instance.

Do patients who arrive by ambulance get seen more quickly?

No. All patients will be seen by the triage nurse, who will assign a triage category. This clinical assessment determines the order in which patients are seen.

Can you send me an ambulance?

Our staff unfortunately cannot organise an ambulance to bring you to the Emergency Department.

Can I get a copy of my notes? Can you tell me my blood results?

If you are discharged by the Emergency Department staff, a detailed letter summarising the findings of any tests performed will be posted to your GP.

How do I leave feedback about my visit to the Emergency Department?