April 12, 2022 by Jason Tracy, MD
Chair of Emergency Medicine at South Shore Health
Hospitals are increasingly busy caring for people with serious illnesses, injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. The sickest people are always seen first, so wait times for patients with low-acuity conditions will be longer.
We know waiting is hard, especially when you or your loved one are not feeling well. Please be patient with our team. We’re working as hard as we can to provide exceptional care to every patient.
In order to help patients receive the care they need as efficiently as possible, it’s important to seek the right level of care at the right place.
Do you know where to go?
Doctor’s office
Cold, flu, and sore throat
Ear, sinus, or urinary tract infections
Headaches and muscle pains
Stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
Minor scrapes and bruises
Walk-in urgent care
Sprains
Minor cuts or burns
Dehydration
Pink eye
Minor animal bites or stings
Rashes or other skin issues
Primary care concerns (if unable to see primary care provider)
Emergency Department
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Serious burns, cuts, or lacerations
Head or eye injuries
Fainting, changes in mental state, or slurred speech
Broken bones or dislocated joints
Weakness and/or numbness on one side
Please help us by using our Emergency Department only for emergencies. This conserves valuable resources for our community’s sickest patients.
Our urgent care centers are ready to care for injuries and illnesses including fractures, lacerations, fevers, infections, rashes, dehydration, and more.
These walk-in clinics can treat patients with less critical symptoms much faster than the ED.
For life-threatening conditions including heart attack, stroke, or serious traumatic injury, seek care in the Emergency Department or dial 9-1-1.
If you require medical care for issues that are not life-threatening, seek care with your primary care practice or an urgent care clinic.
Health Express urgent care locations are located in Abington, Braintree, Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth, Quincy, and Weymouth.
Area hospitals, including South Shore Hospital, face dual staffing challenges of building a large enough team amid nursing shortages and keeping them healthy to work.
Our colleagues remain steadfast in their commitment to care for our community.
Our number one priority is to care for our community. Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding during these challenging times.