Dr. Simon Thomas Wells – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Simon Thomas Wells 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, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Dr. Wells specializes 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. Wells graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa in 2016. He holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor, having completed extensive post-graduate training and acquiring the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. His certifications include advanced life support, trauma management, and airway management, among others, ensuring he is equipped to handle complex emergency cases efficiently and safely.

His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Wells adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. He is dedicated to providing exceptional acute care to the Calgary community and delivers emergency medical services in English, advocating for patient safety and needs in all aspects of his practice.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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 Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Wells manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.

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: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• 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.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Wells 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 SE: Acadia, Fairview, Willow Park East neighborhood is a modern, high-acuity care facility designed to handle urgent medical cases efficiently. Situated conveniently near Chinook Centre, it is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to emergency access points and designated parking areas. Hospital parking facilities are available with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring quick arrival and departure for urgent cases. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services, including diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and specialty consults, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Wells and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Wells, 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.

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

Dr. Wells 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.

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

To help Dr. Wells 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.

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. Wells, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Wells 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. Wells, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

431 58 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2H 0P5

Hospital Main Line: (587) 391-2977

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Wells's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=90dc010e-8345-4f19-9e33-027b5120dbb2&i=1540