Emergency Medicine

Dr Mike Howlett, Clinical Head
Dr. Peter Ross, Residency Director

The Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department opened its new department on the 13th of May, 2011. This was a $37.5 million project funded by the Department of Health’s capital budget and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation creating a one story, 3,970-square-metre addition to the hospital.  The ED will treat approximately 60000 patients per year. The SJRH is the only Level 1 trauma facility within New Brunswick’s Provincial Trauma Program; the ED has 7 well equipped trauma bays to aid in this commitment. 

The Department is divided into three main areas: Trauma, Acute and Non- Acute. Each patient room within these areas is equipped with a workstation allowing direct input of orders at the bedside. There are workstations throughout
the department with access to clinical tools such as Up-To-Date and Micromedix. Impax
systems provide access to digital radiography results. Residents have a large consulting room with lockers, computers and desks available throughout their rotation. 

The ED staff is very active academically with weekday teaching cases/simulations offered at a PGY1 level. These are complemented with various workshops on Airway, Pediatric resuscitation, and Emergency Department Ultrasound. Monthly M&Ms, Journal Club and Grand Rounds provide further learning opportunities. Residents are encouraged to develop and present topics in all of these venues. We are fortunate to have access
to a variety of simulation opportunities and a well supported research program. 

A combination of day, evening, night and “casino shifts” (1900-0300) are expected of
residents. Supervision is commensurate with level of training and will have some gradation even from the beginning to end of the elective. Nursing staff, Respiratory therapists,and Pharmacists are welcoming and helpful for residents. The Staff ERPs are enthusiastic teachers that will create a safe and supportive learning environment while
Residents develop comfort and confi dence with a wide variety of pediatric and adult presentations.  The Department can accept between 4 and 6 learners/ month - typically with no more than two on per shift.