This document provides information for patients visiting the emergency department at St. Mary's of Michigan hospital. It recommends that patients contact their primary care physician if their condition is not life-threatening to minimize their wait time in the ER. It also lists things patients should do before being seen like informing staff if symptoms worsen, and not eating or using the restroom if samples are needed. The document explains that wait times may occur if the ER is experiencing high volume, awaiting test results, or treating more severe emergencies first. It asks for patience during visits and provides tips on having insurance and medication information ready.

1. Why the
Wait?
800 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48603
www.stmarysofmichigan.org
St. Mary’s of Michigan
St. Mary’s of
Michigan
Emergency Department
Please
Remember:
 Have patience and
compassion for others
who are also experiencing
emergencies
 If you don’tunderstand
what you’resupposed to
do when you leavethe ER,
ASK and ASK AGAINif
necessary.
 If your waiting, send
payersfor peoplewho
get rushed into the ER
and are treated first.
“We do this
because we care”
Our associates and patients are
proud to be apart of St. Mary’s of
Michigan and to help celebrate
140 years of Service to Our
Community.

2. ALERT our Staff:
Minimize Your Wait in
the ER
Please be sure you have contacted your
physician’s office if your chief complaint
is not life threatening.
 If symptomsworsen
 Beforeusingthe restroom
o In case a urine sample is
needed
 Beforeeating or drinking
o In case doing so would
jeopardize test results
 If you leave or go outside
Each patientis assessed
andtreatedaccordingto
their currentcondition
Family policy
 Dueto space constraints,
please limit each patient
to only 2 peopleinto
treatment area
 If proceduresrequire
family membersto
return to the waiting
area, they will be advised
when to rejoin the
patient
We truly value your time andare
working to make your visit as
smooth as possible.
We ask for your patience as we
may be:
 Experiencing unexpected
volume of patients
coming in for care.
 Waiting for results of lab
work, imaging or the
opinion of a specialist
evaluating your plan of
care.
 Treating other patients
ahead of you because of
the severity of their
emergency.
How You CanHavean
Impact onYour Wait?
Havethefollowingitems:
 List of medications
 Insurance card
 Driver’s license/photo ID
Be Sureto Know:
 Current Pharmacy
 Name of Primary Care
Provider