“Everyone is potentially one step from a medical emergency, so being aware of the closest facilities can lead to shorter wait times and a better overall experience,” says Dr. Susan MacQuiddy, medical director at Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Update (June 15, 2017): Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital is now OrthoNebraska.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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As a parent, I know there are emergency room visits in my future. My kids aren’t wrapped in bubble wrap, so there will be big bumps, cuts and bruises. I’m well aware of the nearest ERs and minor medical centers. Been there, done that.
But earlier this summer, I was in West Omaha when I had to take a family member to the emergency room. Even though I grew up out there, I didn’t know where to take him. I was surprised when my mom said we’d be driving to Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital near Oak View Mall at 2808 S. 143rd Plaza.
“What? The mall place?”
I’m glad we did. We got in quickly, the emergency was treated and we were on our way in short amount of time. I wish I’d timed it because I didn’t know I could’ve used that handy number in this post.
Who knew?
Want some tips on shortening a future emergency room visits? Skip to the end of the post for some helpful guidelines!
Related post: Here’s another important site for injury prevention for parents!
About Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital
Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital is the region’s first facility dedicated to the complete care and treatment of the orthopaedic patient. They have a unique partnership developed to bring practicing orthopaedic surgeons together with the leading academic medical center in the region. Through this ongoing collaboration, they are able to identify and focus on creating the best health care environment for patients as well as providers.
I recently chatted with Pam Hatz, emergency department manager, and Lauren Fischer, marketing specialist, about Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital.
My family’s quick and smooth experience turned out to be the norm for the hospital. While the average wait time for an emergency room visit is 30 minutes, Hatz explained the average door-to-doctor time for Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital is about 20 minutes. Half the time!
Fischer explained that the wait is shorter at this hospital since trauma patients aren’t brought in – there’s no influx of ambulances, for instance.
Even so, it operates like the typical emergency department. As an orthopaedic-affiliated ER, they treat quite a few injuries from falls, but they also see the other typical illnesses like flu, abdominal pain, etc. They have an on-site lab, xray, CAT scan and MRI available.
If the emergency requires further care, they’ll send the patient to the hospital of his or her choice, whatever suits their needs.
I hope you and your family won’t have to take a trip to the ER any time soon, but if you do and you’re out in West Omaha, I hope now you’re aware of this convenient option.
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To shorten future visits to the emergency room, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital offered some guidelines.
To learn more about the Emergency Department at Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital, visit www.omahaemergency.com.
Kate
Thursday 3rd of December 2015
I had no idea they treated for more than broken bones. Thanks!
Kim
Monday 7th of December 2015
I didn't even know there was an ER there until this past summer. It was a good experience (well, as good as an ER experience could be, I guess!), so I was glad I could let others know about it.