Dr. Patrick Thomas Linehan 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 Stony Plain, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Linehan 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.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McGill University in 1987. Dr. Linehan holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), having completed extensive post-graduate training and acquiring the necessary credentials to practice emergency medicine in Alberta. His certifications ensure he is well-qualified to handle a wide array of urgent health issues, maintaining the highest standards of professional competence and patient safety.
Driven by a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Linehan provides compassionate care under pressure. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team and strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His professional philosophy prioritizes patient safety, advocacy, and delivering comprehensive emergency care in English, ensuring each patient receives prompt, respectful, and effective treatment during their most vulnerable moments.
Dr. Patrick Linehan 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. Linehan manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- 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.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Linehan manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Linehan 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.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
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.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
- 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: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Linehan 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 the hospital in Stony Plain is situated in a major hospital in the neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the hospital campus. It is well-connected via local public transit serving the hospital and features ample hospital parking with designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment for all emergencies. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable care for everyone in need.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Linehan?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Linehan 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.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Linehan 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. Linehan, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Linehan works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- The Emergency Room is for serious or life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Examples include: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking), major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, high fever with confusion, or loss of consciousness. For non-urgent issues, minor illnesses, medication refills, or routine check-ups, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is usually more appropriate. If you're unsure about the severity of your condition, it's often best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care or call your provincial telehealth line for advice. Dr. Linehan and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- 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. Linehan as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Linehan?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Linehan, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., 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.
4405 South Park Dr, Westview HCC Emergency Department
Stony Plain, AB T7Z 2M7
Hospital Main Line: (780) 968-6100
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Linehan 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. Linehan or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Linehan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d420ddd6-02e7-4d9c-8aa1-b76f2f3f2aea&i=869