Fast, expert care is here when you need it

Where will you go when an emergency illness or injury strikes? When you need skilled medical care right away, there’s a dependable answer: The Emergency Services Department at Perry Memorial Hospital. You know that whatever happens, we are here and prepared for anything — 24/7.

What kind of philosophy do the emergency doctors have?

The staff serving the Perry Memorial Hospital Emergency Services Department has a patient- and community-centered focus and a commitment to delivering quality emergency medical care.

Who staffs the Emergency Services Department?

Princeton Emergency Medicine Specialists (PEMS) provides full-time emergency services for our patient families. PEMS is owned and operated by Dr. Neal Edelson and Dr. John Timmons. Five full-time providers — Dr. Eric Castro, Dr. Andrew Harris, Dr. Len Kaczorowski, Dr. John Gaskill and Dr. Rick Cernovich — join Drs. Edelson and Timmons to provide emergency physician care at Perry Memorial Hospital. Several part-time physicians have also been retained to help with occasional shifts and backup. All physicians are or will be emergency medicine board-certified. Dr. Neal Edelson is the on-site Medical Director for the Emergency Department.

PEMS Staff consistently achieves a Press Ganey 95% patient satisfaction score for Emergency Department Service in the Illinois Valley area.

What other professionals staff the Emergency Services Department?

In addition to the services provided by the physicians of PEMS, Perry’s Emergency Department includes 24-hour coverage by specialized nurses and other support personnel. To maintain the highest standards in emergency care procedures, ongoing education and training is required. Staff members are certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, the neonatal resuscitation program, trauma nursing and emergency communications.

How are patients arriving by ambulance served?

Continuity of care is vital when patients are transferred from the ambulance to the Emergency Services Department. That’s why Perry staffs an emergency communication nurse to remain in contact with local ambulance services in order to provide instruction and optimal care prior to a patient’s arrival at Perry.

What kind of emergency facilities does the hospital have?

This department has two trauma rooms, six treatment rooms, a separate entrance and treatment area for those patients requiring isolation or decontamination and a separate entrance for those patients arriving by ambulance.

What if I have additional questions or want to call about current wait times?

We welcome your calls at 815-875-2811. After Hours Entrance Protocol