Emergency & Convenient Care
The Emergency Department itself has seen physical changes as a result of recent renovations. The renovations and new department design improves the entire Emergency Services operation with enhanced patient flow, privacy, and more comfortable family/visitor areas. Convenient Care is an affordable walk-in health care facility, backed by Griffin's Emergency Department professionals. Minor illnesses or injuries are treated within one hour upon arrival.
Important Phone Numbers
732-7229 - Convenient Care
Convenient Care open 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. daily
732-7222 - Emergency Department
Griffin Hospital Emergency Department open 24 hours daily
The hospital-wide implementation of a patient-centered care model will bring additional service enhancements to the Emergency Department on an ongoing basis.
Griffin Hospital Emergency Department & Convenient Care Service
Griffin Hospital is an affiliate of Planetree, a consumer health care organization dedicated to humanizing health care. The Planetree philosophy embraces our mission and places focus on the needs of you and your family. At Griffin, we believe courteous, warm and supportive caregivers and access to health information and education can help you get well faster and stay well longer. During your visit, the staff encourages you and your family to become involved in every aspect of your care. While the degree of participation is entirely up to you, the staff will work to support you at every level. The Griffin Hospital Emergency Department and Convenient Care service are designed to provide you with the latest in medical technology in a healing, nurturing environment.
What You Can Expect
There are a number of differences between Griffin's Emergency Department and that of other hospitals. Your visit will start with an assessment by a nurse, who will determine whether it is more appropriate for you to be seen in the Emergency Department or in Convenient Care. Depending on the type and severity of your illness or injury, you will either be escorted directly to a treatment room while a family member assists in you registration or you will be asked to provide us with information at the Registration Desk before you are seen.
Your Health Care Team
As a Planetree Affiliate, we believe that you, the patient, are the most important part of the health care team. We encourage you and your family to participate in decisions regarding your care. In doing so, you and your family will be working with the other important members of your health care team, including your private physician and hospital staff doctors, nurses and technicians. Your personal physician is most familiar with you and your health. The Emergency Department staff may call not only to inform him or her of your visit, but to gain his or her assistance in providing you care. Your doctor helps in the decision of whether you need to be admitted to the hospital or may return home.
The Hospital Staff
In addition to diagnosing and treating your medical condition, the Emergency Department and Convenient Care physicians and nurses are a valuable resource for learning how to take care of yourself. You and your family are encouraged to talk directly with the staff and to ask questions about your health concerns. One of our nurses will coordinate your care, provide support and be an advocate for you. Always check with your nurse before eating or drinking anything while in the Emergency Department or Convenient Care.
Lab and X-Ray
Should you need to have a laboratory or x-ray test, the doctor or nurse will explain why they are needed. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask. The time required to receive results depends on the type of test. We will, however, let you know approximately how long the test will take to complete and will keep you informed of any delays in your treatment caused by more urgent needs of other patients.
Your Family, Friends and Care Partner
Emergency departments are sometimes intimidating places. Friends and family can help you feel more at ease and less isolated. For this reason, we encourage you to involve family members and friends by selecting a “care partner” who will work closely with you and your nurse in providing your care. Phones for patient use are available in the treatment room.
Learning About Your Health
When you are ready to go home, the doctor or nurse will give you instructions to follow and will provide a follow-up plan appropriate for your illness or injury. You may receive a call within the next few days following your visit to see how you are doing and answer any questions that may have arisen. To assist you in learning more about your health or particular illness, we have placed fact sheets and other literature on the more common illnesses throughout the Emergency Department and Convenient Care waiting areas. In addition, the staff will arrange to have specific health information available upon request. When you are feeling well enough, we encourage you to return to visit the Community Health Resource Center where a full array of medical books that are written for the lay-person as well as journals, magazines, computer databases and audio and video tapes are available. After acquiring a free membership card, you may borrow books to take home and read at your leisure.
We Welcome Your Suggestions
Whether using the Emergency Department or Convenient Care, we hope you find your visit to be comfortable and supportive. We welcome your ideas and suggestions for improvement.