When a medical emergency strikes, having immediate access to expert care is essential.
That’s why it’s good to know the emergency department at Community Hospital Long Beach (CHLB) is ready to handle a wide range of urgent medical needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Serving the greater Long Beach area, the hospital’s emergency department (ED) is conveniently located within 5 miles of most residential neighborhoods in east Long Beach. “Having emergency services in this part of the city is critical,” says Kathie Calloway, M.D., emergency department medical director. “Without it, people would have to travel longer distances for emergency care, which can negatively impact outcomes. Minutes matter in an emergency.”
Community Hospital Long Beach’s emergency department, which includes 21 individual patient treatment bays, provides care for nearly 2,000 patients each month. “We see patients with a variety of injuries and conditions, from broken bones to chest pain,” says Dr. Calloway. With several skilled nursing and assisted-living facilities nearby, the ED also treats a large number of seniors who may be suffering from multiple medical conditions.
Staffed by board-certified physicians and an experienced care team, the ED provides round-the-clock access to a variety of specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, orthopedists and surgeons. X-ray services, CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) also are readily available.
Although the department is a busy one, providing quality customer service is a priority. “We work very hard to have short wait times,” says Dr. Calloway. “Our physicians and staff are exceptionally dedicated and always focused on providing the best care to patients. Many team members have worked here for years, so they have a very deep connection with the hospital and the community it serves.”
The ED features a large, spacious waiting room for the comfort of patients and family members. A specially designed area for children includes a chalkboard wall, large building-block sets, and a variety of kid-friendly videos and movies.
While the ED is equipped to handle most medical conditions, there are times when patients need to be transferred to a more specialized facility. CHLB’s affiliation with top-ranked Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach means that both pediatric and adult patients are transferred to the hospital that fits their unique needs.
Community Hospital Long Beach’s emergency department accepts all insurance plans. For more information, call (562) 498-1000 or visit MemorialCare.org/CHLB