About the project

Background

A growing concern over the lack of emergency medical facilities in Queen Anne's County prompted action in 2007.

In early 2007, UMMS and SHS were approached by county and state officials about partnering with the county to develop a freestanding emergency center to serve residents of Queen Anne's County and surrounding areas.

Senate Bill 750 was introduced by Senator E.J. Pipkin and adopted by the Maryland Legislature in March, 2007. The bill covers the regulation and licensing of a facility in Queen Anne's County to serve as the first rural demonstration project in the state.

Urgency for developing a freestanding emergency center increased in May , 2007 when a terrible crash on the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge shut down all west-bound traffic for an extended period of time. Subsequent major accidents and construction have further demonstrated the need for access to emergency care in Queen Anne's County.

Project Overview

• UMMS built a facility to serve as a 24-hour freestanding emergency center. Shore Health System operates the facility as an emergency center of Memorial Hospital at Easton.
• New facility includes approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of space with 11 treatment rooms and on-site imaging and laboratory services.
• Queen Anne's County agreed to make available approximately 15 acres of land and related land improvements.
• Located at Route 50 eastbound and Nesbit Rd.

Center Capabilities

• Full service emergency facility open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Full diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
• Care for all levels of medical emergencies
• Ability to accept emergency medical services transports
• Transfer to hospital, if needed, via ambulance or medical helicopter

Staffing

• 24-Hour Board Certified Emergency Physicians
• 24-Hour Experienced Emergency Nurses
• 24-Hour Radiology Technicians Skilled in CT and General Diagnostics
• 24-Hour Medical Technologists
• 24-Hour Registration/Financial Counselors
• 24-Hour Security
• Facilities Maintenance

Q&A

• What is the difference between the Queen Anne's Emergency Center and an urgent care center?
  Distinct differences are The Center can and will:
  • Accept ambulances.
  • Be open for patients 24/7/365
  • Be staffed with Board Certified Emergency Physicians.
  • Be prepared to handle any emergency situation that a hospital based ED could handle.
  • Maintain a relationship with the UMMS System including Shock Trauma.
• What if a patient needs hospital admission?
  A patient would be transferred via Advanced Life Support ambulance service to the hospital requested by the patient. The Queen Anne's Emergency Center will have a helicopter landing area on site.
• Under what circumstance would I be transported by ambulance to a hospital rather than the Queen Anne's Emergency Center?
  Based on State of Maryland medical protocols, if a patient is assessed by EMS personnel to be in an emergent condition likely to require the support of a full acute care inpatient hospital, for specialty diagnostics, consultation or surgery, transport to a hospital rather than The Center will be immediate.
• Does the Queen Anne's Emergency Center accept all types of insurance?
  The Center is subject to the same regulatory standards as if it were attached to a hospital, and will accept the same types of insurance accepted at most hospital emergency rooms.

QAEC Photos

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