In an emergency, minutes matter, and now you can look ahead to see how long you’ll wait to be seen at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) hospitals. Anyone can visit nghs.com and click “Emergency Wait Times” at the top of the page to see real-time emergency room wait times for Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, Braselton, Barrow, Habersham and Lumpkin.
“The emergency room wait times indicate how long you can expect to wait from the moment you arrive until you are seen by a qualified medical professional,” said Walter Wiley, executive director for Emergency, Trauma, Observation and EMS Services at NGHS. “Once you’ve been assessed, any additional wait time will be determined based on the severity of your situation compared to others who are waiting for care.”
You can also check wait times for NGHS’ 11 Urgent Care locations in Bethlehem, Braselton, Buford, Cleveland, Dacula, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Jefferson, Oakwood and Toccoa by visiting nghs.com and clicking “Urgent Care Wait Times” at the top of the page.
“Providing wait times online allows patients to make the best decision for their situation, whether that means heading to one of our five hospitals or seeking urgent care instead.” said Wiley. “We’re also sharing information about when you should head to the emergency room or call 9-1-1, and when you should head to urgent care or sign up for a video visit.”
Urgent Care clinics are ideal for non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt attention such as colds, flu, bronchitis, earaches, seasonal allergies, sinus infections, sore throat, urinary tract infections, pink eye, sprains, minor back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, minor muscular pain, minor eye injuries, minor abscesses, poison ivy and more.
NGHS now offers video visits, on-demand for Urgent Care through Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG). You can see a board-certified clinician using your phone, tablet, or computer Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for conditions such as cold and flu symptoms, minor injuries, and skin issues. Learn more and start your visit at ngpg.org/on-demand.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room: chest pain or pressure; severe abdominal pain; coughing or vomiting blood; severe burns; deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop; sudden blurred vision; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; sudden dizziness; weakness or loss of coordination or balance; numbness in the face, arm or leg; sudden, severe headache (not a migraine); seizures; high fevers; new discomfort that is caused by exercise; or any other condition you believe is life-threatening.
About NGHS
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through five hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest – with a total of more than 1,000 beds and more than 1,500 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.