Dr. Lorissa Gaile Mews – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Lorissa Gaile Mews 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 Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Mews'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.

Dr. Mews graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 2013. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta. Her certifications include specialty certification in Emergency Medicine, ensuring she is well-qualified to handle the complexities of emergency care and to provide safe, effective treatment in high-pressure situations.

Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Mews is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She is committed to delivering comprehensive emergency care to the Calgary community, communicating fluently in English, and ensuring every patient receives respectful and attentive treatment.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Mews manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Mews manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.

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.

• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Emergency placement of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) to evacuate air (pneumothorax) or fluid (hemothorax, pleural effusion, empyema) from the pleural space.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Providing varying depths of sedation tailored to the specific procedure and patient needs.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Assessment and management of abrasions, puncture wounds, avulsions, and minor to moderate thermal or chemical burns.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Mews 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 Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood is situated in a vibrant community setting, easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The department is located within a modern hospital facility that offers comprehensive emergency and hospital services. The ER is conveniently accessible from the Bow River Pathway, making it easy for pedestrians and cyclists to reach. The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access, and clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off and parking areas. This facility functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care in the community, equipped to handle high-acuity cases in a safe and welcoming environment. The hospital's fully accessible design ensures equitable access for all patients, and the ER operates 24/7 to serve the needs of residents and visitors alike.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Mews practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor, on the other hand, provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For problems that are not immediate emergencies, your family doctor can provide more personalized and continuous care. If you have a non-urgent issue, the ER may involve a long wait.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Mews, a trained Emergency Room physician, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require 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.

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. Mews, 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.

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. Mews 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Mews 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.

1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Hospital Main Line: (403) 944-1110

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Mews 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. Mews or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Mews's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=f130a320-61cf-4bd3-a2d7-98d8bfff868c&i=980