Our Services at South Bend

Emergency Department

Your arrival

The Emergency Department entrance at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center—South Bend, is located on St. Louis Boulevard, on the west side of the building. A greeter will meet you when you arrive. You will be asked a few basic registration questions, including your name, address and the name of your family doctor. After you’ve received care, your registration will be completed as you leave the Emergency Department.

Depending on your condition when you arrive, you will be escorted either to a private room or to one of three critical care rooms equipped with the latest emergency technology. All of these rooms have sliding glass doors and curtains to ensure your privacy. Next to each bed is a television set. Crayons, coloring books and stickers are available for children on request.

A staff member will ask you or a family member about your medical history. As you are questioned, please be specific in describing the reason for your visit. Typical questions include:

  • When and how where you injured?
  • How long have you had this problem?
  • Where exactly is the pain or discomfort?
  • Does the pain come and go or is it constant?
  • Have you had this problem before?
  • When did you have your last tetanus booster?
  • What medications do you take? When? In what dosages?
  • Are you allergic to anything?
  • What illnesses have you had in the past?
  • What surgeries have you had in the past?
  • Who is your family doctor?
  • Have you ever before been a patient at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center?

You will also be asked to sign a consent form. Parental consent or the consent of a legal guardian is necessary for children under 18.

Another question you’ll be asked is whether you have advance directives (a living will). Although your condition today may not be life-threatening, that could change, and we want to carry out your wishes for treatment. If you already have a living will, please bring a copy of it with you to the emergency department.

We advise you not to eat or drink anything in the emergency department while waiting to be seen by a doctor.

For more information about Saint Joseph Emergency Department, call (574) 237-7111.

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