About
Dr. Andrew Joseph Healey is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Hamilton, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He is skilled in the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.
Dr. Healey graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine (Canada). With over 15 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor (since 2009), he has developed a comprehensive understanding of emergency medicine. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing medical education.
His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Healey prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. He is dedicated to serving the community of Hamilton by delivering timely, competent, and compassionate emergency care in English.
Dr. Andrew Healey is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Healey manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Healey manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Healey manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Leading or playing a key role in the initial resuscitation, assessment, and stabilization of patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries (polytrauma).
This list is not exhaustive. The Emergency Department is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues. If you believe you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest ER or call emergency services.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Providing varying depths of sedation tailored to the specific procedure and patient needs.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Healey are tailored to the immediate needs of patients in acute situations.
All emergency medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department is situated in Hamilton's Corktown, Stinson neighbourhood, offering accessible, high-quality urgent care. Located close to the International Village BIA, the facility is easily reachable via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. This department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to provide prompt and effective treatment for a wide range of emergencies.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Healey works?
- If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Healey and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Healey works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Healey and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Healey and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Healey, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Healey?
- Dr. Healey, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Healey?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Healey, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- When should I see Dr. Healey in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Healey and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.
50 Charleton Avenue East
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Hospital Main Line: (905) 522-1155
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Healey is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Emergency Room services are typically accessed by presenting directly to the Emergency Department or via ambulance (e.g., by calling 911) for urgent medical conditions. No direct referral is usually required to be seen in the ER by Dr. Healey or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Healey's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Healey-Andrew-Joseph/0214768-81085