Dr. Trisha Ehren Mackle is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Kelowna, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Mackle’s role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across 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.
She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC). Dr. Mackle has completed extensive postgraduate training and has obtained the necessary certifications to practice Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC, ensuring she is well-qualified to manage complex emergency cases with competence and professionalism.
Dr. Mackle’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care in English and is committed to serving the community of Kelowna with a calm, competent approach to urgent medical care.
Dr. Trisha Mackle is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Mackle manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Mackle manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
- 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.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Mackle manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- 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.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
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.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Mackle 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) 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 Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighbourhood serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. Situated conveniently near Okanagan College and accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the facility offers comprehensive emergency services in a high-acuity environment. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking, facilitating prompt care. This ER functions as a vital component of the hospital’s full spectrum of services, ensuring timely intervention for urgent health issues in the Kelowna area.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Mackle 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. Mackle, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- When should I see Dr. Mackle in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Mackle 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Mackle 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. Mackle and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Mackle works?
- If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Mackle and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Mackle?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Mackle 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.
- 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. Mackle 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. Mackle?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Mackle, a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., 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.
2268 Pandosy St, Kelowna General Hospital
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2
Hospital Main Line: (250) 862-4000
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Mackle is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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. Mackle or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Mackle's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338817/Mackle%2CTrisha