Dr. Kirstin Nicole Moritz 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 St. Plain, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to ensure safe and effective patient care. Dr. Moritz 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. Moritz graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Dalhousie University in 2009. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She possesses all necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta, ensuring she remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Moritz is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the community of Stony Plain with dedication and professionalism.
Dr. Kirstin Moritz is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Moritz manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Emergency management of sudden worsening of chronic heart failure symptoms, typically presenting as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid overload (edema), and orthopnea.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Moritz manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
- 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.
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Moritz manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.
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.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Comprehensive evaluation of patients with head trauma, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale) and adherence to clinical decision rules for CT imaging.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Performing closed reduction of simple dislocations, often under procedural sedation, to restore anatomical alignment.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Moritz 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 at a major hospital in Stony Plain is situated conveniently within the hospital campus, easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER setting is a high-acuity care environment, critical for urgent medical needs within the community, and integrated with comprehensive hospital services to provide timely and effective treatment.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Moritz?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Moritz, 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Moritz?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Moritz, a trained specialist in providing immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, is to care for patients with urgent medical problems requiring immediate attention. She is an expert at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. She manages everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
- When should I see Dr. Moritz in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Moritz 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Moritz 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. Moritz 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?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Moritz 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. Moritz, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Moritz as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
4405 South Park Dr, Westview Community Health Centre
Stony Plain, AB T7Z 2M7
Hospital Main Line: (780) 968-3673
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Moritz is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Moritz or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Moritz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b03e714f-13ad-43f0-a56f-6762952b917b&i=1010