Milnerton Medi-Clinic has a 24 hour Emergency and Trauma Unit. The unit  is a multi-disciplinary centre  providing care in all medical, trauma, paediatric and surgical emergencies.

The unit provides 24-hour cover by an experienced team of doctors and nurses, offering the following services to the community:

• Emergency medical assistance through assessment, resuscitation and treatment.
  
• Community driven advice and support service for emergencies such as overdoses, rape, etc.
  
• Counseling services.
  
• Fast track emergency and consultation system for minor emergencies.
  
• Access to 24 hour laboratory , X-Ray, MRI, CT scans, as needed.
  
• The Trauma Unit has 24 hour access for all ambulance, helicopter and walk in cases.
  
• A network of specialists on call 24 hours a day to support interventional medicine and surgery.

Milnerton Medi-Clinic Trauma Unit has a committed team approach towards the professional training and practice of emergency medicine, in the interests of emergency care for the community at large.

We have the capacity and the commitment to deal with all emergencies, and strive to provide a superior service to the people who really matter - OUR COMMUNITY.

WELCOME TO THE EMERGENCY UNIT.

Due to the varied nature of emergencies, it is difficult to accommodate everyone simultaneously. However, we will endeavour to assist you as quickly as possible without jeopardizing you or other patients.

If you are currently experiencing any of the following:

• Chest pain
• Faintness
• Active bleeding
• Fitting
• Other real emergency

please notify reception straight away. They will call for medical help immediately.

We realize that many loved ones would like to accompany the ill patient into the treatment area; unfortunately this violates the privacy of other patients and is therefore not possible.

Should you specifically wish to mention something to the doctor or would like to speak to the doctor, please tell the Sister who accompanies the patient into the treatment area. Wherever possible, they will endeavour to accommodate you.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

• Here is important financial information for your benefit:
  There are a number of separate medical services that work together in a team to provide you. the patient, with comprehensive emergency treatment. Each service will render a separate account according to recognized guidelines.
  
• The hospital will send you an account for all stock and equipment used. There is a minor facility fee which is not paid by the medical aid. The receptionist will inform you of the cost.
  
• All doctors in the emergency unit practise under the name of Drs Bonner and Le Roux and therefore you will find Dr Bonner's name on all your details and accounts. The account from the doctor will be separate and will include an emergency fee. the cost of a consultation (according to time and complexity) and a fee for procedures performed (e.g. ECG).
  
  Should you require X-rays, the X-ray department (Morton and Partners) will charge you separately. Please speak to the radiographer regarding their costs.
  
• Should you require blood samples to be taken, the pathologists (Path Care), will charge you separately. Please speak to the sister taking your blood, should you require further information.
  
• We make use of Pathcare machines to do haemoglobin (simple iron test) and blood glucose estimations in the emergency unit. Therefore you will receive an account from Path care for these tests.

• Should you be seen by a specialist, we will send you a separate account.

• We have attempted to combine all these accounts together. Unfortunately due to legislation and other problems, this is not possible. We do apologize for any inconvenience.

• All patients will be required to open a folder irrespective of their method of payment. Gathering this information is a medico-legal requirement in all cases.

• We trust that this information will be of assistance.

NON MEDICAL-AID PATIENTS

• If your condition is life threatening or requires immediate attention, you will also be treated promptly, and will be shown into the emergency room treatment area.
  
• During this time, the receptionist must gather data and discuss finances with you or your family. Please do not feel that this process takes precedence over your illness. We often require this information to assist you in making decisions regarding the medical management of your illness / injury.
• A deposit is a rough estimate of cost according to limited information. As our reception staff do not have a medical background, it is very difficult for them to make an accurate estimate.

No patient will ever be turned away on the basis of cost without proper assessment. Should you not be able to afford the costs involved, please notify the receptionist.

A number of alternatives are available:
You could be referred to a more appropriate service / individual.
You may be shown into the unit for assessment and stabilization prior to transfer.
You may be referred directly for appropriate assistance after discussion about the presenting problem.

We welcome all feedback regarding your experience of the emergency unit at Milnerton Medi Clinic.

Please feel free to offer any suggestions by filling in the patient questionnaire and placing it into the box provided. The staff of the unit are committed to providing the best possible service and are always willing to offer advice and information should you require it.