Jackson Hospital begins posting ER wait times online | Business

Jackson Hospital says it now posts wait times for the emergency room on its website, www.jackson.org. Officials say the new feature allows the public to view the approximate wait time once the patient goes through the registration process.

“I feel it is very important that Jackson Hospital be friendly and transparent in our emergency department operations,” says CEO Don Henderson.  “Updating the ‘time to emergency medical provider’ in real-time on our website gives area residents another tool to evaluate our performance, and to help them make the best choice when they need emergency care.”

ER wait times may change very quickly depending on patients arriving by ambulance or with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. All patients are evaluated by a nurse upon arrival. Patients with life-threatening conditions will be seen before those with less serious problems or ailments.

Jackson Hospital ER wait times represent the average estimated length of time from registration to being assigned to a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The wait times are averaged over the past four hours and are refreshed at least every hour.

When is it time to go to the ER? 

These symptoms warrant an immediate trip to the ER by ambulance:

• Chest pain.

• Pain in the left arm, neck and jaw.

• Shortness of breath.

• Sudden-onset headache that can be described as “the worst headache of your life.”

• Weakness on one side of your body or face or weakness in one arm or leg.

• Slurred speech.

• Bleeding from a cut that will not stop with applied pressure.

• Vomiting blood or finding bright red blood in your bowel movements.