Top 10 Things You Should Know about GBMC's Emergency Department (ED)

1. All of its physicians are board-certified in Emergency Medicine. Many are double or triple board-certified, with additional credentials in Pediatrics and/or Critical Care, which is uncommon for ED physicians.
2. Its dedicated Pediatric ED offers specialized care in a child-friendly setting. The Pediatric ED combines urgent, emergency, observation and inpatient care services. A board-certified pediatrician is on-site around the clock.
3. Patients consistently rate its physicians and staff highly in randomly given satisfaction surveys. In fact, GBMC’s ED physicians rank in the top 10 percent of similarly sized emergency departments participating in the national  survey.
4. Its innovative approaches during crisis situations have earned the ED state recognition for disaster preparedness. For example, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, ED staff, many of whom serve on the hospital’s unique Critical Incident Committee, set up a "surge” tent outside. This allowed patients with flu symptoms to be treated promptly without entering the hospital and exposing others to the illness.
5. Triage begins at the entrance of the department. A "Quick Look” nurse takes vital signs and assesses patients’ symptoms near the waiting area, then directs patients to treatment or triage rooms. Diagnostic tests begin right away in the same room.
6. Complimentary valet parking is offered as a convenience to patients. Each patient room in the ED has a TV and telephone for patient use.
7. It is capable of treating patients with a wide range of health concerns, from minor medical/surgical issues more serious injuries and illnesses such as stroke or chest pain.
8. Approximately 61,400 people are treated in the ED each year.
9. It is a primary stroke center, certified by The Joint Commission and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
10. ED staff members are held to a high standard of quality service. Physicians and nurses receive monthly "report cards,” which reflect their ratings from patient satisfaction surveys.