Franklin Hospital is the only hospital in Benton. Expected ER wait time in Benton is 1 hours, compared to the Illinois state average of 0.8 hours.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare ER wait times in Benton, Illinois, to other municipalities in the United States.
ER wait time is defined as the time between (a) the admit decision time; and (b) the time of departure from the emergency room for ER patients admitted to inpatient status.
Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs, preparing for long wait times, planning ahead for peak times, considering alternative care options, and showing gratitude to healthcare workers.
Illinois faces prolonged ER wait times due to its urban-rural divide, hospital closures, and staffing challenges. Chicago, the state’s largest city, experiences overcrowded emergency departments as a result of its dense population and high prevalence of violent crime, which often leads to trauma cases. In contrast, rural areas face limited healthcare access, requiring patients to travel long distances to larger hospitals. Financial pressures have led to hospital closures in underserved areas, further straining remaining facilities. Additionally, shortages of nurses and physicians, coupled with administrative inefficiencies, prolong patient throughput. Chronic disease management challenges among the state’s population also drive ER visits.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
Overcrowded waiting areas may expose you to harmful germs. Hospitals treat many patients with infectious conditions. Be cautious while you wait for emergency services.
- Masks are an important tool for preventing illness, especially during high-risk times. They create a barrier that blocks respiratory droplets from entering your system. Be proactive and wear a mask in busy spaces like hospitals, especially during flu season or when contagious illnesses are spreading more frequently.
- High-touch areas in hospitals, such as door handles and waiting room chairs, are common sources of germs. Wash your hands regularly or use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting illnesses. Clean hands are a simple but powerful way to protect yourself.
- Germs from shared hospital surfaces can quickly transfer to your personal belongings. Keep items like your phone, wallet, or bag off communal areas to minimize contamination. Sanitize them regularly at home with disinfecting wipes to keep them clean and free from harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc are vital for boosting your immune system. These nutrients strengthen your body’s natural defenses, helping you fight off infections and recover faster. Incorporating them into your diet supports overall health, especially during times of heightened illness transmission.
Prepare for Long Wait Times
Long wait times are part of the process during busy hours. Bring what you need to stay comfortable and at ease.
- Extended sitting during long waits can be tiring. Bring comfort aids like a neck pillow for support, a lumbar cushion for your back, and a percussion massager to alleviate muscle tension. These small items can make long periods of sitting more bearable and improve your overall comfort.
- Keeping entertained during long waits is essential for reducing stress. Bring a mobile device with your favorite apps, music, or videos. Entertainment creates a positive distraction, making the time pass faster and improving your overall experience in a crowded hospital setting.
- Hospitals can be bustling with noise, from conversations to medical equipment. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones lets you tune out the chaos, creating a personal oasis of calm. Use them to enjoy relaxing sounds or focus on entertainment, improving your ability to stay comfortable during long waits.
- Hunger can add to the stress of waiting for extended periods. Bring healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit to stay nourished and energized. These portable options are easy to pack and convenient for situations where hospital food options are unavailable or limited.
- Dressing in comfortable, layered clothing ensures you stay at ease during hospital visits. Hospitals can be chilly, so wearing a sweater or jacket over a breathable top keeps you comfortable. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that allow easy movement, providing added relaxation during long waits.)
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Strategic preparation for your emergency room trip can significantly impact wait times, particularly for less urgent situations.
Mondays are particularly busy for emergency rooms due to a buildup of cases over the weekend. If your condition isn’t urgent, planning your visit mid-week or during off-peak days can reduce wait times and make your hospital experience more efficient.
Awareness of seasonal peaks can help families plan emergency room visits for children. Young children experience higher visit rates in autumn, while older children peak in spring. Timing visits accordingly can improve your experience and reduce stress for pediatric care.
The time of day has less impact on emergency room wait times, as staffing is designed to meet patient demand. Even during fully staffed hours, high patient volumes in the morning and early evening can create delays in care.
Consider Other Care Options
For non-urgent concerns, telemedicine or primary care may be better suited.
- Family doctors are well-suited for managing non-urgent health issues. Their long-term familiarity with your medical history allows them to provide personalized, effective care, ensuring continuity and improving your overall health management.
- Minor illnesses and injuries can be quickly addressed at walk-in clinics. Their no-appointment-required policy makes them a convenient choice for patients who need immediate care for non-emergency health concerns, like mild fevers or small cuts.
- Urgent care centers provide an excellent alternative for treating non-life-threatening conditions such as minor burns or fractures. They combine accessibility and shorter wait times, making them ideal for patients who need immediate but not emergency-level attention.
- Retail clinics provide fast, affordable care for routine medical needs like vaccinations, health screenings, or minor illnesses. Conveniently located in retail stores, they are a practical solution for patients seeking accessible healthcare without the need for appointments.
Show Gratitude
A small gesture of thanks can have a big impact on the morale of ER healthcare workers.
- Healthcare workers give so much to their communities. Acknowledging their efforts through words of gratitude reminds them how much their dedication is valued and inspires them to continue their life-saving work.
- Thank-you cards filled with gratitude and personal messages can have a lasting impact on healthcare workers. Sharing specific examples of how their care has helped you makes the gesture even more meaningful and appreciated.
- Contributing a catered meal to a hospital department is a meaningful way to thank healthcare workers. Providing comfort food or healthy snacks gives them a moment to recharge and feel appreciated for their hard work.
- Creating social media posts or community projects that recognize the contributions of healthcare workers amplifies their impact and encourages others to join in expressing gratitude for their dedication.
- Supporting healthcare workers by donating to hospital wellness initiatives or funding mental health counseling services ensures they receive the resources they need to stay healthy and focused in their demanding roles.