ED, A&E or casualty?

[*elizabeths-mum*]

Im just wondering what you call your local hospital emergency section of the hospital. I think it must vary in places and times.

(ED - emergency department, A&E accident and emergency)

[*elizabeths-mum*]

I did a quick google and saw casualty is the UK term rather than US. I hadn't thought of ER.

[serendipityricho]

Dosnt matter what its called -as long as you dont lay on a trolley

for many hours with a broken leg-waiting to be served..............................Richo.

[cherry*135]

Local hospital has an ED (NSW).

I am used to saying A&E (from NZ).

Casualty - from TV programs

[purple_haize]

Emergency Dept..........here in Melbourne

[purple_haize]

Casualty is what it use to be called when I lived in Adelaide.

[j*oono]

I suppose you could also call it Triage because that is what it is.  You turn up, speak to a triage nurse and then you wait... and wait... and wait.  

They are pretty good though and most serious goes first and if you have shown up there with a minor condition (even if its a broken arm or leg and it hurts like hell) you just have to wait your turn.  

[serendipityricho]

A broken leg is not a minor condition.

The trouble is --all the folks with a cold -splinter -ingrown toenail etc

take up time for the staff doing the paperwork.......................................Richo.

[j*oono]

I couldn't agree more Richo but it is order of emergency.  I get very annoyed too with people that turn up there with something that could wait until their doctors surgery is open.

I was there once with a wrist broken in two places and waited for hours.  

The last time I went they saved my life and from what I am told I didn't have to wait long at all.

[cherry*135]

Maybe that is why they dropped the Accident from the title and focussed on Emergency..not all accidents are major or emergencies and they can be treated by a GP first.

[*elizabeths-mum*]

It would be better if people could see their doctor for non emergency complaints but after I managed to leave the end of a cotton bud in my ear the other day I can appreciate why the emergency department is a more attractive option. 5 hours to get in to see my doctor and $36 after the Medicare refund. As well as the embarrassment with someone I know telling me that as an RN I should know never to put anything smaller than my elbow... etc