It's comforting to know that quality emergency care is available around the clock, seven days a week at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. Physicians on the medical staff and other clinical personnel trained in emergency care are prepared to deal with serious injuries and illnesses.

The Emergency Department is fully computer-automated to streamline patient admissions and facilitate the triage process. It also provides individual treatment rooms to respect patients' privacy and confidentiality.

Expanded Emergency Department Delivers Care, Convenience and Comfort

Note: This information appeared as part of Texas Health Today, a special advertising supplement to The Dallas Morning News.

No one wants to go to the emergency room, but it's comforting to know that Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen is making a trip to the ER a less painful experience.

In recent months, the emergency department has not only doubled in size, but the staff is working to improve service by fast-tracking patients who have nonurgent health issues while still providing timely care for those with more urgent needs.

"With the recent growth in Allen, McKinney and the surrounding areas, there was a definite need for additional emergency treatment space," says hospital president Sheila McKinney.

The department's four-bed Express Care area is open seven days a week, ensuring that patients with colds and coughs, sprains and strains, toothaches and earaches can receive treatment apart from patients with more serious conditions.

Whether you're going to the emergency department for quick care or because you're accompanying a friend or loved one, you have plenty of things on your mind, so for your convenience a concierge desk is located just inside the main entrance. Patients are seen immediately upon arrival and then sent to one of two triage areas, where they are assessed by a nurse who determines the area of the emergency department where they can best be treated. Patients with more severe injuries or illnesses are sent to specifically equipped rooms designed to treat heart attacks, trauma and other medical conditions.

"We realize that all patients want to get in to see medical personnel as soon as possible when they come to an emergency department," says Amy Mabry, R.N., director of critical care services. "One of our primary goals was to reduce lines and wait times for patients with non-urgent conditions, so we're excited by this process intended to meet their demands more quickly and efficiently."

The new $2.5 million expansion includes a larger waiting area, an expanded nurses station, 13 private treatment rooms, business offices and a pediatric waiting room with a flat-panel television, a DVD player, an array of movies, video games and toys.

"We are committed to answering the needs of the community and strive to provide exceptional customer service," McKinney adds.

Last year, Texas Health Allen's emergency department saw 25,000 patients, accounting for 40 percent of the hospital's admissions.