The Emergency Department, or ED, of a hospital is a critical place. Many medical emergencies are handled quickly and effectively, and at all hours. However, many people head to the ED when they don’t have a true emergency. When a person lacks a relationship with a primary caregiver, an uninsured patient needs attention, when affordable health care isn’t available, or when the inability to access year-round treatment at a clinic keeps a person from the appropriate non-emergency care, they go to the ED.
When non-emergency trips are made to the ED, it can weaken the ability of the hospital to truly attend to those in need. With long waits, crowded waiting rooms, and staff working hard to meet demands, keeping the ED reserved for emergencies is crucial.
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