Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (CNRV) - Emergency Services

Emergency Department

Here at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, total patient and family care  with attention to excellent customer service is our goal for every patient visit.   

The Emergency Department entrance is to the right of CNRV's main entrance as you face the medical center.  Look for directional signs and the green awning over the entrance that read "EMERGENCY."  Our service is open 24-hours a day, every day.

Level III Trauma Team

Our main emergency department is a 22 bed facility that cares for all age groups and complaints. We have been designated by the VA State Department Health  as a Level III Trauma Center, which means we can care for many complicated cases needing multi-system evaluation and medical treatment.    As a Level III Trauma Center, we use a  systematic approach of triage and treatment. Our doctors and nurses are specially trained in the care and stabilization of trauma cases.

Fast Track Care

Our department also operates a "fast track" service during peak times that allows patients with minor illnesses or injuries to be seen by a doctor with expertise in treating these type of emergency visits.   This 4 bed unit has a dedicated nursing staff and physician. The main purpose is for patients to be seen as quick as possible and in an efficient manor.

Pediatric Patients in the ED

Connected to the Emergency Department is our five bed inpatient Pediatric Department. Pediatric patients in the ED have a private pediatric waiting area for the child and families' comfort. Once treated in the ED, if the child is admitted into the hospital, the same group of expert nurses take care of the young patient and their family.

Entering the Emergency Department

Please have the following information ready for our Emergency Department (ED) staff member.

1. You will need basic, personal information, such as name, address, age, etc; about yourself or the person in need of medical attention.

2. Next, a staff member will take the patient into the triage or assessment room. He/she will ask medical questions and family history for information needed to determine the level of care.  It is very important to have a current list of medications and an accurate medical history.

3. After triage, the patient may be taken to their room in the department or be asked to wait in the lobby for an available room. Please note that patients are not seen based upon arrival time but upon the severity of their illness or injury.

4. If in the lobby, it may seem that you have been left on your own, but please be assured that we have not forgotten you or the patient. If the patient¿s condition changes in any way, please let a nurse or staff member know immediately.

5. Once in a treatment room, our ED nurses will begin your care before you see the doctor. Again, patients in our Emergency Department are seen based upon the severity of their illness or injury. Doctor delays are usually because of critical situations.

6. Our staff will continue to check on patients throughout their ED visit. Please let them know if you need anything or if the patient¿s condition has changed.

7. Once tests results are back, the doctor will return to talk with the patient about the plan of care. The nurse will provide instructions for care at home if the patient is discharged. We ask that you stop by the registration desk when leaving to let them complete the insurance paperwork. You will also be asked for an insurance card and billing information. This is very important for correct billing.

8.  If the patient is admitted, the staff will work wiht the hospital to obtain an inpatient room as quickly as possible.

Patient Visitors

We request that only one visitor be at the bedside at a time. Several family members may take turns being with the patient. Friends and family are welcome to stay in our waiting room or go to the lobby and cafeteria areas of the hospital. Please let a staff member know if you leave the waiting room area, in case you are needed to return.