Dr. Elizabeth Jean Purssell – Emergency Room Doctor | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Jean Purssell is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in New Westminster, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Purssell’s role involves 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.

She graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2016 and has completed extensive postgraduate training to become a certified Emergency Physician (FRCPC). She holds the necessary certifications to practice in British Columbia, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training includes comprehensive education in emergency medicine, critical care protocols, and trauma management, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle complex and high-pressure situations in the ER setting.

Dr. Purssell’s professional philosophy is centered on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, coupled with compassionate care under pressure. She emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team to optimize patient outcomes. Her practice is guided by evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, with a strong focus on patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care primarily in English and is dedicated to serving the community of New Westminster with professionalism and compassion.

Dr. Elizabeth Purssell is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Purssell manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Purssell manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Purssell manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Administration of tetanus prophylaxis and consideration of antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection, along with detailed wound care instructions.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).

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.

• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Purssell 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

The Emergency Department in New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood is a modern, fully equipped facility that provides urgent medical care to the community. Situated near the Douglas College New Westminster Campus, it is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The hospital campus offers ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical needs, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt, high-quality care for all patients. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable access to emergency services for everyone in the community.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Purssell?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Purssell, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., Dr. Purssell is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Purssell practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Purssell, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

When should I see Dr. Purssell in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Purssell 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.

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. Purssell, 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.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Purssell?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Purssell in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.

330 E. Columbia St, Emergency Department
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Hospital Main Line: (604) 520-4253

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Purssell is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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. Purssell or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Purssell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341248/Purssell%2CElizabeth