24 Hour Emergency Services ~ Adult, Pediatric and Geriatric Care

(978) 784-9250

The following information is also available as a PDF download.

Here at Nashoba Valley Medical Center we know that a trip to the emergency department can be a nerve-racking experience. That is why we pledge to provide you with the most sophisticated care in a comfortable atmosphere that is personalized for your needs and administered in the timeliest of manner possible.

The Emergency Department (ED) at Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) is a specialized treatment facility designed to care for adults and children who are experiencing illness or injury.  Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, our team of board-certified emergency physicians and highly skilled nurses are available to treat any medical or surgical emergency.

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians
The Department of Emergency Medicine of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians provides the ED physician coverage at Nashoba Valley Medical Center.  This physician practice consists of well-trained emergency medical physicians, some of whom are nationally renowned in unique specializations such as toxicology, emergency medical services (EMS), 911 direction, cardiac emergencies and trauma.  The group works collaboratively with the NVMC's staff physicians to provide timely and responsive emergency medical treatment for the communities served by NVMC.

State of the Art Facilities
Our ED has 10 treatment areas designed to provide a wide range of emergency services from resuscitation to cardiac care, respiratory, orthopedic, pediatric, eye, ear, nose & throat, wound, and women's health problems.  On-site diagnostic testing includes a clinical laboratory and a state-of-the-art imaging department with X-ray, ultrasound, CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI.)

On-Call Specialists and Physicians
NVMC has a team of specialists and primary care physicians available 24 hours a day to consult with the ED physicians to admit patients to the medical center, when necessary.  The specialists address the whole range of health care problems that our patients may be experiencing from neurology to podiatry.  The specialists work in collaboration with the primary care physicians to achieve the most optimal outcome for our patients.

Connections to Tertiary (Major Medical Center) Care
The Emergency Department patient who require more specialized care such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery or burn unit treatment are treated at NVMC and then transported to the most appropriate facility via Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance or by helicopter from our on-site helipad.

Patient Tracking and Medical Record Electronic Documentation System
NVMC has implemented a state-of-the-art nursing and physician computer software documentation program that will enhance patient care and satisfaction.  The program tracks the patient throughout the ED visit and results in decreased wait-time and quicker response from ancillary departments such as diagnostic imaging and the laboratory. 

Electronic charting functions begin upon entry to the ED and continue through the "Triage" process (where patients are assessed by the nurse and sorted into priority of need for care-the most seriously ill or injured are treated first.) and carry on to the completion of care.  The nursing assessment is consistent with the standards of emergency nursing and is designed to ensure thorough and complete care.  Tests are ordered electronically and the location and status of each patient is available at every computer terminal or computer tablet. 

Physician documentation is electronic, using touch screen monitors, workstation tablets or key-board entry.  Individualized teaching instructions are printed and reviewed with each patient before discharge or admission.  The system improves the department's performance by analyzing the timeliness and quality of patient care.

Here When You Need Care

We know that a medical emergency is a stressful experience for everyone - the patient and the family. And, most emergencies happen close to home. At those stressful and unexpected times, Nashoba Valley Medical Center offers exceptional emergency care, and the shortest drive possible.

Managed and staffed by emergency physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, our emergency department combines big-city medical expertise with personal attention. Our highly skilled clinical team - physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians and ancillary staff - delivers high quality and exemplary care to patients with acute medical problems 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A Network for the Best in Care
Our services are provided through a network of emergency services. Local emergency medical service (EMS) providers are part of the team who work collaboratively to provide the best care available in the region. NVMC's ED doctors provide medical control ordering treatment and medications via radio to local EMS personnel both at the scene and while in route to the hospital. In those extreme cases where immediate specialized care is required, NVMC has the option to transfer patients via Advanced Life Support ambulance or helicopter to an appropriate care setting.

Complete On-Site Clinical Services
Our ED has treatment rooms designed to provide a wide range of emergency services from resuscitation to care of cardiac, respiratory, orthopedic, pediatric, eye, ear, nose and throat, wound and women's health problems. Many patients require testing in order for the ED physician to make a diagnosis and develop a plan of care. On-site diagnostic testing includes a clinical laboratory and a state-of-the-art imaging department with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CAT scanning, ultrasound and x-ray.

Skilled Staff

• Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians
  Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians provide coverage at Nashoba Valley Medical Center's emergency department. This physician practice consists of well-trained emergency medical physicians, some of whom are nationally renowned in specialties such as toxicology, emergency medical services (EMS) and 911 direction, cardiac emergencies, and trauma. They work collaboratively with the NVMC's staff physicians to provide timely and responsive emergency medical treatment for the communities we serve.

   

• Specialists On-Call
  Nashoba Valley Medical Center has a team of specialists and primary care physicians available 24 hours a day to consult with the ED physicians and to admit patients to the medical center when necessary. The specialists address the whole range of health care problems that our patients may be experiencing. The specialists work in collaboration with the primary care physicians to achieve the most optimal outcome for our patients.

   

• Specially-Trained Nursing Staff
  Highly skilled registered nurses work in the ED with expertise in all areas of emergency care, including cardiac monitoring, trauma, orthopedic and pediatric care. All the nurses are educated in triage skills to provide a quick, accurate assessment of the patient upon arrival. All nurses are Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) providers. The nurse manager is nationally certified in emergency nursing (CEN).

WARNING SIGNS

. Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
. Sudden dizziness, weakness or changes in vision
. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
. Severe or persistent vomiting
. Suicidal or homicidal feelings
. Coughing up or vomiting blood
. Bleeding that can't be stopped
. Changes in mental status (confusion, unusual behavior, difficulty arousing, etc.)