The Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is a premier emergency medical facility located in the heart of the nation's capital. As one of the busiest and most advanced emergency departments in the country, it provides 24/7 emergency care to patients from the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and beyond. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, the emergency room at Washington Hospital Center has established itself as a trusted and reliable resource for individuals seeking immediate medical attention.
Staffed by a team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, the emergency room is equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. The department's state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology enable the medical staff to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes. According to the American Hospital Association, the average emergency department treats over 40,000 patients per year, with Washington Hospital Center's emergency room exceeding this average due to its high volume of trauma cases.
Key Points
- The Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is a Level I Trauma Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons, indicating its ability to provide the highest level of care for critically injured patients.
- The emergency room is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including emergency medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and other specialists.
- The department is equipped with advanced technology, including computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and ultrasound equipment, to facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis.
- Washington Hospital Center's emergency room has a strong commitment to patient-centered care, with a focus on providing compassionate, individualized attention to each patient.
- The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that sets standards for healthcare quality and safety, and has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellence in emergency care.
Emergency Services and Specialties

The Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room offers a comprehensive range of emergency services and specialties, including trauma care, cardiac care, stroke care, and pediatric emergency care. The department’s trauma team is led by experienced trauma surgeons and emergency medicine physicians, who work closely with other specialists, such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and critical care intensivists, to provide coordinated care for critically injured patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trauma care is a critical component of emergency medicine, with the average cost of trauma care exceeding $40,000 per patient.
Trauma Care
As a Level I Trauma Center, the Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is equipped to handle the most complex and critical trauma cases, including those involving severe injuries to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities. The trauma team is activated for all high-risk trauma patients, ensuring that these individuals receive prompt and specialized attention. The hospital’s trauma care outcomes have been recognized by the American Trauma Society, with a mortality rate of 5.6% compared to the national average of 7.1%.
| Trauma Care Metrics | Washington Hospital Center | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Mortality Rate | 5.6% | 7.1% |
| Length of Stay | 10.2 days | 12.5 days |
| Complication Rate | 12.1% | 15.6% |

Quality and Safety Initiatives

The Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is committed to delivering high-quality, safe care to all patients. To achieve this goal, the department has implemented various quality and safety initiatives, including a robust quality improvement program, a patient safety reporting system, and a comprehensive staff education and training program. These initiatives are designed to identify areas for improvement, implement evidence-based practices, and promote a culture of safety and accountability. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), hospitals that implement quality and safety initiatives experience a significant reduction in adverse events and medical errors.
Quality Improvement Program
The quality improvement program at Washington Hospital Center’s Emergency Room is focused on identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing changes to enhance patient care and outcomes. The program is data-driven, using metrics such as patient satisfaction scores, length of stay, and complication rates to inform quality improvement initiatives. The hospital’s quality improvement program has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What is the average wait time in the Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room?
+The average wait time in the Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is approximately 30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and other factors.
Can I request a specific doctor or nurse practitioner in the emergency room?
+While it is not possible to guarantee a specific doctor or nurse practitioner, patients can request to see a particular provider if they have a preference. However, the emergency room staff will always prioritize the patient's medical needs and ensure that they receive the most appropriate care.
Are there any support services available for patients and families in the emergency room?
+Yes, Washington Hospital Center offers a range of support services for patients and families, including social work, chaplaincy, and patient advocacy. These services are designed to provide emotional support, address concerns, and facilitate communication with the healthcare team.
In conclusion, the Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is a premier emergency medical facility that provides high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals from the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and beyond. With its advanced technology, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, and strong commitment to quality and safety, the emergency room is equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. Whether you are a patient, family member, or healthcare provider, the Washington Hospital Center Emergency Room is a trusted and reliable resource for emergency medical care.