Our Emergency Department is open 24/7, 365 days a year, staffed with exceptional Physicians, Advanced Practice Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Paramedics and ER Technicians who are in-house and ready to care for you.
We are a level IV trauma care facility, a Stroke Capable Hospital, and participate in our region’s STEMI program. If your illness or injury requires a specialty service or higher level of care, our highly trained team will stabilize you and you will be transferred by Advanced Life Support ground ambulance or medical helicopter if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me?
You will be asked about your current medications and it will be best to bring your actual medication bottles or a current updated list of all your medications along with you, including prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.
You should also bring your insurance cards and photo ID.
Veterans Memorial Hospital will treat patients regardless of your ability to pay. If you have a medical emergency or are in labor, you have the right to receive the following, within the capabilities of our hospital’s staff and facilities:
- An appropriate medical screening exam
- Necessary stabilizing treatment, including that of an unborn child, and
- An appropriate transfer to another facility.
If you have questions following your ER visit, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 and ask to speak to the emergency department or call your primary care provider.
When should I come to the Emergency Department?
You need to come to the ER if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Chest pain or other signs of heart attack such as arm pain, shortness of breath, or sweating
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness, or loss or coordination/balance, sudden numbness in face, arms, or legs (signs of stroke)"
- Sudden severe headache
- Severe nausea/vomiting
- Changes or loss of consciousness
- Severe cuts, wounds, suspected fractures, or severe burns
- Head or spinal injury
- Anytime you feel you are experiencing signs or symptoms of an emergency condition.
