GOSFORD HOSPITAL EMERGENCY

When you arrive you will be triaged which means that before you see a doctor,
you will see a number of other staff who will establish how sick you are and
collect personal information.

Triage or reception nurse?

One of the first people you will see is the triage nurse. Triage means "to sort".
The nurse will sort patients according to the severity of their illness or injury.
This will ensure that the sickest patients are treated by doctors first.

If your condition gets worse you should tell the triage nurse immediately.

Clerical staff

Clerical or non clinical staff are responsible for registering vital information
regarding your identity. They also deal with issues relating to any charges that
you may incur as a result of your visit. They will:

· uniquely identify you

· establish your Medicare status

· record your contact details

· establish contact details for your local treating doctor, and

· record contact details for your work if it is a work related problem.

What happens when I see a doctor?

Once inside the Emergency Department you will be looked after by different
nursing staff and doctors. You may have to wait if you have to have an X-ray
or other tests or require a specialist to see you. If you don't have to be
admitted you will be sent home or other arrangements will be made for your
care if necessary.

Many treatments can now be undertaken at home or through outpatient
facilities. This may be arranged with the support from the hospital or
community based teams and in conjunction with your local doctor. Thus you may not be admitted to the hospital.
 
 

The triage system is a universally recognised system for prioritising people who need prompt medical care. When you arrive at a hospital Emergency Department a triage Nurse will decide how urgent your need is.
 
 

TRIAGE CATEGORY 1	RESUSCITATION (CRITICAL): Life threatening condition which may result from a motor vehicle accident, cardiac arrest or major burns
TRIAGE CATEGORY 2	EMERGENCY (SERIOUS): Could be life threatening and requires prompt attention such as heart attack, chest pain or stroke
TRIAGE CATEGORY 3	URGENT (STABLE): Wounds lacerations or abdominal pain
TRIAGE CATEGORY 4	SEMI URGENT (SATISFACTORY): Walking wounded such as broken arms or cuts
TRIAGE CATEGORY 5	NON URGENT: Long standing problem or illness such as a cough or a cold