Dr. Joanna Beth Sainsbury – Emergency Room Doctor | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Joanna Beth Sainsbury is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in St. Albert, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Sainsbury'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. She is skilled in 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, with patients being prioritized based on the severity of their presentation as determined through a structured triage process.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 1992 and has completed extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Sainsbury holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta, reflecting her specialized training and commitment to emergency medicine. Her certifications include advanced life support, trauma management, and other relevant emergency care credentials, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle diverse medical emergencies in the hospital setting.

Dr. Sainsbury’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Her approach ensures that each patient receives timely, appropriate, and comprehensive emergency care. She delivers emergency services exclusively in English, maintaining clear and effective communication with her diverse patient population in St. Albert.

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Sainsbury manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• 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).
• 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).
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Sainsbury manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Sainsbury manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.

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.

• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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. Sainsbury 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 St. Albert's St. Albert City neighborhood is situated close to the Major North-South Corridor, providing accessible and efficient care for urgent medical needs. The facility is easily reachable via St. Albert Transit (StAT), including local and commuter routes to Edmonton, ensuring convenient access for residents and visitors alike. 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 points and parking facilities. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the ER is integrated within the hospital's comprehensive services, offering a high-acuity environment equipped for rapid response and advanced emergency interventions.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Sainsbury works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Sainsbury, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

Dr. Sainsbury, as an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, 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. Her 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.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Sainsbury works?

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Sainsbury and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

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. Sainsbury, 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.

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

Dr. Sainsbury 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Sainsbury and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.

201 Boudreau Rd, Sturgeon Community Hospital
St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4

Hospital Main Line: (780) 418-8559

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Sainsbury is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Sainsbury or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Sainsbury's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=15d58ff0-91a1-4bef-a94f-815f37f5a321&i=1264