The Emergency Care Center at Woodwinds is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. We're here to care for you and your family any time there's an emergency. Our doctors and nurses are experienced in treating seriously ill and injured patients and they will provide the best care for your needs. Woodwinds is a Level III trauma center.

Care for kids

Thanks to our collaboration with Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, we are able to offer an added level of expertise anytime you have a concern about your child's health.

Our specialized emergency services for children include having Pediatric Emergency Medicine physicians in the emergency department every night and on weekends. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians are uniquely trained to care for children in emergency situations.

In addition, Woodwinds offers Child Life Specialists who work together with the physicians in an effort to make each child's experience a positive one. Certified child life specialists are trained in child development and specialize in working with children in health care settings. They address the child's need to understand and cope with medical experiences.

Our collaboration with Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota offers benefits beyond your experience in the hospital or emergency room. There are many resources available related to safety and prevention that are free to parents at Making Safe Simple.

Pediatric emergency doctors from Children’s Hospitals and Clinics are available:

• Monday through Friday - 6 to 10 pm
• Weekends and holidays - 3 to 11 pm

When you arrive

A specially-trained nurse will check your vital signs, evaluate your condition and ask about your health history. This process is called “triage,” a French word meaning “to sort by priority.” It ensures that the most seriously ill and injured patients are seen first.

Visitors

Family members or friends are welcome to stay in the treatment area or in the lobby. For the privacy and safety of all patients, the number of visitors must be kept to two per room. This allows staff to perform their duties quickly and helps ensure that we meet the needs of other patients. Depending on your condition, it may be necessary for a nurse or doctor to ask friends and family to return to the waiting room.

It’s important for visitors to respect the privacy of all patients and be as quiet as possible.

Food and refreshments

Patients are asked not to eat or drink anything without first consulting with a nurse. Visitors must consume all food and beverages in the lobby area. Visitors may use the hospital cafeteria located on the lower level. Vending machines are located at various locations throughout the hospital.

Interpreters

Foreign language and sign language interpreters are available upon request. While an interpreter is being arranged, family members may be asked to assist. Find out about our interpreter services

Patient advocate - 651-232-0002

Questions, comments or concerns about patient care issues should be directed to a Patient Advocate. All information shared with an advocate is confidential.

Telephones

Courtesy telephones are located in the emergency department lobby. Dial “9” first to be connected to an outside line. There is no charge for local calls. Cell phones cannot be used inside Woodwinds Hospital, including the emergency department because they may interfere with cardiac monitoring systems and other medical equipment.

What if I want to leave?

Your health is important to us, so even if you feel better, we want you to stay and be seen by a doctor so we can make sure your medical needs are met.

If you choose to leave the emergency department against medical advice, be aware that your visit may not be covered by your insurance company.

After your emergency visit

We will review your discharge instructions with you before you leave the emergency department. You will also receive a written copy to take home. Please feel free to ask questions if you do not understand the instructions.

You are responsible for arranging a follow-up appointment with your primary health care provider or the physician recommended by one of our staff members. You are responsible to check with your insurance plan for coverage.

About your bill

You may get more than one bill for services you received in the emergency department. Your bills are not based on how long you were in the emergency department, but rather on the treatments that were performed and the supplies that were used while you received care at Woodwinds Hospital .