Emergency Department

At the Horacio Oduber Hospital, our Emergency Department is dedicated to delivering high-quality care24/7. We have a team of devoted professionals, including ER physicians, specialized nurses, orthopedic cast technicians, receptionists, and other skilled personnel.

The Emergency Department at the Horacio Oduber Hospital handles approximately 40,000 patients annually. The department plays a critical role in providing care to individuals who have recently experienced an accident or are facing an acute illness.

Please watch the informational video about our emergency department.
English:

Papiamento:

If you prefer to read please download the following informational flyer available in four languages:
-Emergency department information flyer (English)
-Spoedeisende Hulp informatieflyer (Dutch)
-Informacion tocante departamento di emergencia (Papiamento)
-Información tocante nuestro departamento de Emergencia (Español)

‍Family physician vs. going to the Emergency Department?

For non-life-threatening medical concerns, contacting your family physician or the after-hours primary care service (HAP)is usually the appropriate course of action. The HAP facility is located at the ED.
The opening hours of the HAP are:
- Monday to Friday from 6p.m. until 10 pm.
- During weekends and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

These hours indicate when individuals can access the after-hours primary care service for urgent medical needs that do not require immediate attention from the emergency department (ED). For life-threatening emergencies, it is important to go directly to the emergency department or call emergency services (911).

If you need to visit the Huisartsenpost (HAP),you will be directed to the security area to obtain a number. The triage process at the HAP is typically conducted by a medical assistant before you see the doctor.

‍What to expect?

Upon arriving at the emergency department, the staff at the reception desk will assist you with the registration process. They will ask you for your reason for visiting and collect your personal information for documentation purposes.

After you have been registered, a nurse will conduct a pre-triage assessment to determine the urgency of your medical condition and the level of care you require. The triage process helps prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition and ensures that those in need of immediate attention receive timely care. After the triage is completed, you will be referred to either the waiting room or a treatment room, depending on the urgency and availability of resources.

If the nurse determines that your condition can be managed by a family physician or through the Huisartsenpost (HAP), they will provide you with a referral to those services.

Once a treatment room is available for you, a nurse will escort you to the room where the  physician will see you, inquire about your visit, and assess your medical concern. They will conduct necessary examinations, perform treatments, and conduct diagnostic tests if needed, providing the appropriate medical interventions based on your condition.

Waiting time

We acknowledge that waiting can be frustrating. Please be aware that patients at the emergency department are prioritized according to the severity of their condition and the urgency of their medical needs. This implies that even if someone arrives after you, they may be attended to sooner if their symptoms are more severe or if they need immediate life-saving interventions. Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated as we strive to provide the best care to all our patients.

While waiting times can vary, rest assured that the medical team is working to provide the best possible care to all patients in a timely manner.

Emergency Department & your child

As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility not only to address the injury or medical condition but also to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. This duty is guided by the national "Domestic Violence and Child Abuse" reporting code, which mandates healthcare providers to assess and report potential signs of abuse or neglect in children.

This process includes using a special form to document any observation or concerns regarding your child's safety. The gathered information will be shared with other pertinent care providers. The physician will discuss these findings with you.

Examination and treatment

The ER physician or Specialist will determine which treatment and/or diagnostic procedures are needed based on your medical complaints or condition.
Some procedures require an empty stomach. It is best not to eat or drink while waiting; please consult the nurse first.

If deemed necessary, the physician may recommend hospital admission, and the admission process might take some time before you are transferred to the nursing ward.

Back home

Fortunately, the majority of patients can return home after visiting the Emergency Department. Upon discharge you will receive a copy of your discharge notes which includes information about the care you received. This can be shared with your family physician or specialist.

If you encounter any new symptoms, kindly reach out to your family physician or return to the emergency department.

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