University Of Md Shore Medical Ctr At Chestertown is the only hospital in Chestertown. Expected ER wait time in Chestertown is 2.7 hours, compared to the Maryland state average of 2.5 hours.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare ER wait times in Chestertown, Maryland, 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.
Maryland’s ER wait times are driven by high population density, mental health demands, and systemic healthcare challenges. Urban areas like Baltimore face overcrowded emergency rooms due to socioeconomic factors, including poverty and limited access to primary care. Mental health crises contribute significantly to delays, as a shortage of psychiatric facilities results in prolonged ER stays. Seasonal fluctuations, such as flu outbreaks and extreme weather events, add to the strain on emergency services. Staffing shortages and administrative inefficiencies further complicate patient throughput, particularly in high-demand urban hospitals. Additionally, Maryland’s unique global hospital budget system can sometimes limit flexibility in handling surges in ER demand.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
Full waiting areas raise the likelihood of disease exposure. Hospitals handle a wide range of contagious illnesses. Take measures to protect your health as you wait.
- 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.
- Germs can transfer to your hands from high-touch surfaces like chairs, door handles, and kiosks. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer to minimize the risk of spreading harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Shared surfaces in hospitals can contaminate personal belongings like your phone or bag. Keep these items off communal spaces and sanitize them regularly. Using disinfecting wipes at home helps maintain cleanliness and ensures your belongings remain safe for everyday use.
- Bolstering your immune system helps protect your body from illnesses. Supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc are essential for maintaining strong immunity. These nutrients work together to strengthen your body’s defenses and help you stay healthy during flu season or periods of increased illness transmission.
Prepare for Long Wait Times
Long waits are standard, especially during busy periods or for minor conditions. Being ready can make the experience smoother.
- Extended sitting can lead to back and neck discomfort. Packing a lumbar cushion and neck pillow provides extra support and comfort, especially during long waits. These small items help you maintain good posture and reduce muscle strain, making your hospital visit more tolerable and less stressful.
- Hospital waits can feel long and tedious. Pack a mobile device, like a tablet, phone, or laptop, loaded with games, books, or videos to stay entertained. Entertainment helps reduce boredom, lower stress, and make the time pass more quickly.
- 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.
- When hospital visits are prolonged, having snacks on hand ensures you stay nourished. Bring energy-sustaining options like granola bars or whole-grain crackers. If fasting is required for medical tests, consult your healthcare provider beforehand to make sure you’re prepared without breaking any rules.
- Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to temperature changes in hospitals, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your visit. Wear soft, stretchy clothing for added flexibility and comfort. Comfortable attire helps you feel at ease, even during long waiting periods or unexpected delays.)
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Careful planning for an ER visit can shorten your wait, especially for conditions that are not urgent.
Emergency rooms tend to have higher patient volumes on Mondays. To avoid the crowd, plan your visit for a less busy day, such as Wednesday or Thursday. This timing allows for faster care and a more manageable experience in the hospital waiting area.
Awareness of seasonal peaks in pediatric emergency visits can help you plan your child’s care more effectively. Young children see more visits in autumn, while older children peak in spring. Visiting during quieter seasons ensures faster care and shorter waits.
Hospitals adjust staffing to match demand, so the time of day may not drastically reduce wait times. Although mornings and afternoons have full staff, higher patient volumes during these times can still lead to delays due to increased demand.
Consider Other Care Options
For non-urgent concerns, telemedicine or primary care may be better suited.
- Family doctors are ideal for managing routine and non-urgent medical concerns. They provide a consistent approach to care and can identify patterns in your health over time, ensuring effective treatment and ongoing support tailored to your needs.
- Minor injuries and illnesses like sprains or mild infections can be quickly treated at walk-in clinics. Their no-appointment policy ensures timely care, making them a convenient choice for patients needing immediate but non-emergency attention.
- Urgent care centers are designed to handle non-life-threatening conditions like mild infections or small fractures. These facilities often provide quicker treatment than emergency rooms, ensuring you get the care you need without long delays.
- 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
Healthcare workers in emergency rooms often face demanding conditions; expressing thanks can make a difference.
- Expressing your gratitude to healthcare workers lets them know their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Even a small thank-you can have a big impact, encouraging them to continue their incredible work with renewed motivation.
- A handwritten thank-you card can be a treasured token of appreciation. Sharing your heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and the impact they’ve had on your life makes this gesture deeply personal and meaningful for healthcare workers.
- Providing a meal or snacks is a thoughtful way to thank healthcare workers. A small treat can show appreciation and offer a moment of relaxation during their demanding shifts.
- Public recognition, like a social media shoutout or a letter to the local newspaper, highlights the efforts of healthcare workers and spreads awareness of their invaluable contributions to the community.
- Donations to support continuing education for healthcare workers help show appreciation while empowering them to advance in their careers. Your contribution reflects gratitude by investing in their professional growth.