Emergency Department
NSHN's Emergency Departments operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When coming to the Emergency Department we ask that you remember to bring the following items / documentation with you:
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Ontario Health Card
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Details of any additional health coverage or insurance policies
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Power of Attorney for Personal Care (if applicable)
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Emergency contact numbers
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Medication you are currently taking
GERIATRIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (GEM) NURSE
During your visit to the Emergency Department, a GEM Nurse may be part of your care team.
A GEM Nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) who specializes in caring for older adults in emergency departments by:
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performing focused assessments,
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linking patients to community services, and
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developing care plans to prevent functional decline and repeat visits.
GEM Nurses are trained to recognize the complex needs of seniors, such as frailty, multiple medications, and cognitive issues, to improve their health outcomes.
For more information on GEM Nurses and our Geriatric Program, click here.
How do I find the Emergency Department?
Upon entering the Main Entrance at the Blind River site, take the first hallway on your left.
CMS
What happens if I need emergency medical assistance?
There are two (2) Emergency Buttons to alert staff at the Blind River site that you need emergency medical assistance.
These buttons link directly to an alert system in the Emergency Department.
NOTE: These buttons are for medical emergencies ONLY - staff will come running!
The first Emergency Button is located on the wall at the Main Entrance.
The second Emergency Button is located next to the Ticket Machine in the Waiting Room.
NOTE: The main entrance doors to the hospital are locked after 10:00 p.m. To access the Emergency Department after this time, please use the Emergency Night Entrance. There is an intercom system at this entrance, where you will communicate with the Charge Nurse to gain access to the Emergency Department.
