Trauma and Emergency Services at Winchester Medical Center

Designated a Level II Trauma Center

Our Level II Trauma Center at Winchester Medical Center provides immediate care for severe and traumatic injuries. Our team includes board-certified physicians, advanced practice clinicians and some of the top specialists in our area. We have a suite for traumatic injuries staffed by a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled trauma surgeons. We also offer helicopter services to our Virginia hospital in order to ensure access to immediate care for our patients with severe injuries.

What You Need to Know About Trauma/Emergency Care

Minutes can mean the difference between life and death for a traumatic injury. The basic definition of a “trauma patient” is someone with injuries as a result of an accident, such as: motor vehicle collisions, ground-level fall, slipping, falling off playground equipment, hiking, bicycling and ATV accidents. Winchester Medical Center already cares for patients with these injuries, but when they are combined with abnormally low blood pressure, respiratory failure and/or unconsciousness, a higher level of care is needed. These patients require Level II trauma team activation.

Here are some things to keep in mind in regards to emergency care:

• Patients with the most severe injuries / conditions are seen first.
• The goal of emergency care is to provide the fastest responses to those who need it most.
• Those with acute or emergent needs are seen first.
• If your conditions change or if you are worried about the patient, don’t hesitate to speak with a triage nurse in the ER.
• Space and time is limited in the emergency room, so numbers of visitors are controlled.

Virginia Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

At Valley Health, we strive to make our community healthier by working together with patients, families and community health partners. In collaboration with the Virginia Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) initiative, Valley Health has introduced a local program to help promote behavior changes among patients at risk for developing behavioral health concerns.

When you come to the Emergency Department of Winchester Medical Center, you may notice that your nurse will ask questions about overall health and wellness, including questions about: alcohol, drug use, depression, and cigarette smoking. After the nurses ask these preliminary questions, you may be follow up questions from one of our wellness clinicians. This is to make sure we are addressing as many of your healthcare needs as we can while you are here. From there, we might be able to help connect you with further resources. As with any other health information, all of your answers to these questions are confidential.

Where Should I Go for a Minor Emergency?

About two in five trips to the emergency room are for non-emergent conditions, including the flu, small fractures, sprains / strains, and small lacerations. Valley Health offers several Urgent Care locations to help with these minor illnesses. Visit www.vhurgentcare.com to view all locations, see current wait times and check-in online.