Emergency Department
Milford Regional Medical Center has one of the busiest emergency departments (ED) in central Massachusetts. Our 52-bed ED opened in 2015 with state-of-the-art technologies that allowed us to increase patient comfort while maintaining high-quality care.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When You Arrive
All patients receive a Medical Screening Exam to make sure there is not a life-threatening problem as soon as possible. Patients who are the sickest are evaluated & treated first, not in the order in which they arrive.
In the Treatment Area
We work hard to provide a room for every patient. Sometimes this is not possible and you may need to be seen in a less private area. We will make every effort to maintain your privacy.
Vertical Treatment Area (VTA)
To expedite treatment when ED private rooms are unavailable, you may be placed in a less private area close to the triage area so providers can see you more quickly.
When can I eat and drink?
Food and drink may affect results of tests or prevent us from performing a procedure. Please discuss with your care team before eating or drinking during your time in the ED.
What happens if I’m admitted?
You will remain in the ED until an inpatient bed is available. Every effort will be made to move you to an inpatient floor as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Boarding (when admitted patients temporarily remain in the ED waiting for an inpatient bed) may occur, but we are committed to reducing the occurrence of ED Boarding.
What happens if I’m discharged?
You will receive discharge paperwork including instructions for home care and follow-up, referrals and prescriptions. As you exit the care area, please check-out and pay your copay, if applicable.
How Long Will Tests Take?
• Blood Tests: 1.5-2 hours
• Urine Tests: 30-60 minutes
• X-RAYS: 1-1.5 hours
• CT Scans & Ultrasounds: 2-4 hours
Highly Experienced Medical Staff
In the emergency department, all 22 physicians are board-certified in emergency medicine, with a specialist in pediatric care and three specializing in accidental poisonings and other toxicology cases. Unlike other emergency departments that rely on residents, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to cover the ED’s around-the-clock schedule, there is always an emergency medicine physician present in Milford Regional’s ED with up to five working the busiest shifts.
Read patient testimonials about our emergency physicians and nurses.
When your child needs emergency care, you know they’ll get the best care possible when it matters most. Boston Children’s physicians collaborate with Milford Regional’s emergency medicine physicians and nurses to ensure exceptional child-focused care.
The emergency department is supported by a complete range of consultant specialist services, including cardiology, surgery, medicine, intensive care, orthopedics, obstetrics/gynecology and more. Riverside Community Care provides emergency psychiatric service at all hours and can be reached at 508-634-3420.
Emergency Department Services
Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all patients who enter the emergency department for evaluation and treatment.
Milford Regional is a Primary Stroke Service Hospital. The emergency department provides state-of-the-art treatment for acute stroke symptoms and our Telestroke service allows us to contact specialists from Boston during all hours of the night when needed.
The Hospital has advanced cardiac monitoring capability, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the premises, as well as computed tomography (CT), x-ray and ultrasound within the emergency department for easy access when needed.
A helicopter pad is available for swift and safe patient transfer to other facilities when necessary.
SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program is available to protect, evaluate, and treat sexual assault victims. This program focuses on concern for the victim and is carefully designed to not traumatize them any further. The program has a certified registered nurse who has completed special training in medical, legal, forensics, and psychology.
The goal of our new ED was to create a quieter, welcoming place that boosts efficiency while maintaining high quality care. We want to make the environment as calm as possible and want people to feel confident that they’re being treated in one of the most state-of-the-art facilities around.
