About
Dr. Meghan Elizabeth Garnett is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Providence Healthcare in Thunder Bay, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Garnett's role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. 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 urgent and life-threatening care, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition through a structured triage process.
Dr. Garnett graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Canada. She has accumulated over 8 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2016. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certifications enable her to provide expert emergency care, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in critical situations.
Guided by a professional philosophy centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Garnett is dedicated to providing compassionate care under pressure. She emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizes patient safety. Her commitment is to serve the community of Thunder Bay with integrity, delivering emergency care in English and advocating for her patients’ needs in urgent settings.
Dr. Meghan Garnett is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Garnett manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- 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): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Garnett manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Monitoring response to therapy closely and adjusting treatment accordingly.
- 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): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Garnett manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Providing appropriate analgesia and ensuring follow-up for wound checks or suture removal.
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.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Utilizing aseptic technique and careful patient positioning to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Meticulous cleaning, debridement, irrigation, and repair (suturing, stapling, or adhesive closure) of simple and complex cuts, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Garnett 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.
Providence Healthcare is situated in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central neighborhood, within the downtown North Core and Waterfront area. The hospital is easily accessible from Victoriaville Civic Centre and well-connected via Thunder Bay Transit. The Emergency Department is located within the hospital complex, which offers full accessibility to all patients. Visitors can find designated parking spots for emergency access, with clear signage guiding ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care, providing comprehensive services in a high-acuity environment to meet the diverse needs of the community. The facility is integrated with other hospital departments, ensuring seamless continuity of care for all emergency patients.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Garnett 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. Garnett 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Garnett?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Garnett, a trained emergency physician, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Garnett?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the ER, including when you are seen by Dr. Garnett, to send a detailed summary of your 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, treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important health updates. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Garnett works?
- To help Dr. Garnett and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.
- When should I see Dr. Garnett in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Garnett and the ER 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.
Providence Healthcare
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Hospital Main Line: (807) 684-6000
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Garnett 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. Garnett or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Garnett's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Garnett-Meghan-Elizabeth/0273642-95471