Two emergency departments provide critical care for Peoria and the surrounding area.
An emergency can happen to anyone at any time. Most require immediate, life-saving intervention, or intervention that helps prevent a non-life-threatening situation from getting worse. That’s the nature of emergencies—they happen when you least expect them. No matter the emergency or when it occurs, the emergency departments at UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor are able to handle the toughest of situations.
“We have one of the most talented and amazing staffs across both campuses,” says Emergency Services Director Tony Howard. “Everyone involved in emergency services is incredibly passionate and caring. We are ready every moment of every day—and trust me, each day is very different from another. It is a calling. We are drawn to this department and the work that we do.”
The Methodist campus recently renovated its facility to improve patient convenience and comfort. In addition, Methodist | Proctor has recently installed EPIC, a new electronic medical records system that allows data to be shared across all aspects of the continuum of care, including the physician office and hospital setting.
For Trauma, Stroke and More
The Emergency Department at UnityPoint Health – Methodist is a state-designated Trauma Center and one of only 47 Level II Trauma Centers in Illinois. “State regulations require a board-certified emergency medicine physician staff the ED 24 hours a day to maintain the trauma certification,” notes Dr. Gregory Sowards, medical director for emergency services at UnityPoint Health – Methodist.
“Methodist is a Certified Primary Stroke Center—a Joint Commission accreditation,” he adds. “This means that the staff physicians and nurses have special training in stroke care which is considered best practice in the country. This training promotes better care, fewer variations in care, and superior outcomes for stroke patients in central Illinois.”
Cardiovascular surgical teams are prepared to quickly open a blocked artery within 90 minutes of your arrival at either hospital. Research has shown this ensures the best possible patient outcome and in some cases, may even prevent a heart attack. The Illinois Department of Public Health recognizes both Methodist and Proctor as emergency departments approved for pediatrics, which means both have the equipment and specially-trained staff to care for children.
The medical staff—including trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic specialists—is dedicated 24 hours a day to providing outstanding healthcare, period. Methodist also has a specialized behavioral health emergency treatment area designed to provide a non-threatening, soothing environment for individuals seeking assessment or treatment for behavioral health emergencies. On the Proctor campus, the Center for Senior Behavioral Health is available for patients over 65 with mental health problems that may require admission.
Located at Hamilton Boulevard and NE Crescent Avenue in downtown Peoria, the Methodist Emergency Department is easily accessible from I-74, Glen Oak Avenue or Main Street.
A Full Spectrum of Care
The emergency department at Proctor provides a full spectrum of care for critically ill and injured patients in a safe, comfortable and convenient environment. The Proctor ED includes an expanded Chest Pain Center, patient observation rooms, rooms especially designed for pediatric patients, trauma room and biohazard/decontamination room.
“We want to ensure that every patient has a good ER experience,” reminds Dr. James Hubler, Proctor Emergency Department medical director. “Our average ER physician experience is 17 years. Our nursing staff is a dynamic group of experienced, compassionate individuals who take pride in their delivery of quality care. We pride ourselves on delivering prompt care. Patients are seen in 30 minutes or less by the physician or mid-level provider. One of our strengths is our smaller size.”
Located at 5901 North Knoxville Avenue in Peoria, the Proctor Emergency Department provides emergency care for north Peoria and the surrounding areas, with easy access from two of Peoria’s main thoroughfares, North Knoxville and North Sheridan Road.
“We have a unique flare of taking care of general emergency medical conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, broken hips, pneumonia and abdominal pain such as appendicitis,” Hubler says. “We also take care of less acute emergencies such as broken ankles and sprains, lacerations, urinary tract infections and flu symptoms.” iBi
For Emergency Department wait times, visit unitypoint.org/peoria.
