Norton County Hospital has on average 1,800 emergency visits each year. Open 24/7, the Emergency department is equipped to handle any patient who comes through the door. The ED does not have a physician present 24 hours a day; however, the department is staffed 24 hours a day by registered nurses who have specialized training in emergent conditions and outpatient procedures needed for all types of medical problems. A physician is available at all times by phone.
In addition, Norton County Hospital added Avera eEmergency services in 2016. Access to a second set of eyes and ears can be beneficial in critical cases, and this new eEmergency service will provide that extra support to Norton County Hospital’s clinicians when needed. At the push of a button, local physicians and emergency room staff have immediate, virtual access to a team of physicians and nurses who specialize in emergency medicine.
eEmergency supports patient care in several ways:
Avera eCARE offers one of the largest telehealth networks in the United States and supports more than 225 health centers, clinics, long-term care centers and correctional facilities within an eight-state region with eEmergency and other telehealth services.
Norton County Hospital is a Level IV trauma center, which according to the American Trauma Society means it has an ability to provide Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center. It provides evaluation, stabilization and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients. The commitment of a Level IV trauma center is to have an organized response and treatment of the injured person.
Our physicians and mid-level providers who work in the ED are current in ATLS, and the registered nurses are current in Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC). Several ancillary departments are educated and involved in caring for the trauma patient as well.
Due to our geographical isolation, we are the first line of treatment for traumas in our area. We have protocols in place to facilitate a rapid trauma team response and transfer/stabilization of a trauma patient to a facility that has comprehensive care. We collaborate extensively with Norton County EMS to facilitate a rapid pre-hospital response. We also stay active within the community with outreach programs and injury prevention. We have been designated as a Level IV trauma center since Nov. 1, 2012.
Open 24/7
Please enter the Emergency department through the hospital’s east main entrance (look for the long covered walkway), and the ED is located on the right after entering the first set of doors. For safety of staff and patients, the ED entrance inside is locked. Upon arrival, there is a buzzer to notify staff that you need admittance to the ED. During business hours, enter through the hospital's main lobby, left of the inside ED entrance, if needed. Feel free to park in the hospital's main lot adjacent to Hwy 36.
For an emergency, dial 911.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Mohr, RN
Director of Nursing
Phone: 785-877-3351
Fax: 785-877-2841
Email: smohr@ntcohosp.com