Knowing Where to Go for the Right Care Emergency Department or Urgent Care

       Broward Health is expanding access to emergency care across Broward County by developing three freestanding emergency departments in Sunrise, Lighthouse Point and Fort Lauderdale.

“We are committed to bringing high-quality, hospital-level emergency care closer to where our community lives and works,” said Evan Boyar, M.D., chief medical officer of Broward Health. “These new freestanding emergency departments will expand access to pediatric and adult patients, reduce travel times for patients and ensure seamless continuity of care across our system.”

Each location will provide 24/7 emergency care, advanced imaging and point-of-care laboratory testing. In a life-threatening emergency, care teams will be equipped to provide stabilizing care, and patients needing hospital care or surgery will be transferred within the Broward Health system for continued, specialized care.

Choosing the Right Level of Care

      Understanding the differences between urgent care centers, hospital-based emergency departments and freestanding emergency departments can help patients choose the right level of care when a medical issue arises.

Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that need prompt attention but do not require emergency care. Patients should consider urgent care for minor cuts or wounds, sprains and strains, flu or cold symptoms, and minor infections.

Hospital-Based Emergency Departments (EDs)

     Hospital-based EDs are emergency departments within hospitals that handle the most serious and complex emergencies, with direct access to inpatient care. Patients should go to a hospital-based ED for severe trauma, heart attack or stroke symptoms, complex emergencies, or conditions that may require surgery or admission.

Freestanding Emergency Department (EDs)

Freestanding EDs offer hospital-level emergency care in convenient neighborhood locations. Patients should visit a freestanding ED for chest or abdominal pain, severe headache, breathing problems, trauma, injuries, broken bones, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, allergic reactions or severe infections.

For more information about Broward Health’s emergency services, visit BrowardHealth.Org/Emergency.