Emergency

Here at Warner Hospital and Health Services your emergency is our top priority!

Emergency care that’s here when you need it.

Warner Hospital and Health Services offers the only 24-hour Emergency Department in DeWitt County. You can have peace of mind knowing that emergency care is always available close to home.

Is the Emergency Department always staffed?

Absolutely. Emergency Services are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by board-certified emergency medicine physicians supported by registered nurses who are certified trauma nurse specialists. The staff maintains certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

ER Entrance

What do I do if I think it is an Emergency?

Never hesitate when an emergency occurs, call 911, but determining what is an emergency is not always easy. Emergencies come in many forms, and there is no one symptom that separates a standard medical problem from an emergency. You will need to use your best judgement to determine whether or not the situation warrants a 911 call. Below are some signs of a medical emergency:

  • shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
  • broken bones
  • head, spine, and other serious injuries
  • consistent vomiting
  • asthma related emergencies
  • profuse bleeding
  • tight or painful feeling in chest
  • consuming a poisonous substance
  • acute pain in abdominal area
  • suicidal feelings and other mental distress symptoms
  • unusual behavior, confusion, and disorientation
  • severe headaches that won’t go away
  • sudden blurry vision

These are not the only signs of an emergency, be prepared to call 911 anytime you believe an urgent situation is happening. As calmly as you can, explain the situation to the operators. Speaking too rapidly or in a panic can make it difficult for them to understand you and will waste time.

In nearly every emergency scenario, it is better to wait for an ambulance rather than driving to the hospital yourself. Ambulances can reach the hospital faster and paramedics can provide the patient with critical care on the way to the hospital.

What if I need more advanced care?

Warner Hospital has been certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital and is able to provide the immediate care that is important to give stroke patients their best chance of recovery. We also have transfer agreements with larger hospitals for those emergencies in which higher levels of care are required by specialists, not on site. Our well-trained staff will stabilize the patient for transfer via ambulance to assure the best outcomes for the patient.

What if I have questions?

When in doubt about the nature or severity of the medical emergency, call 911 first.

For non-emergent care, call Family Medicine at 217-937-5284

Please note: Not all practitioners are employees or agents of WHHS. Emergency Department physicians are independent contractors.

In an effort to ensure patient safety and public trust, anyone can inquire about our staffing levels and staff competence by calling 217-935-9571 to make an appointment with the Chief Nursing Officer. All questions will be answered in accordance with the Illinois Hospital Report Card Act. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Warner Hospital and Health Services complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.