Bringing Accessible Emergency Care to Our Community
September 19, 2024
Whether it’s a visit to the hospital emergency room or a freestanding emergency department, emergency services are essential components of any community's infrastructure.
Emergency care at Manatee Memorial Hospital
Manatee Memorial Hospital's Emergency Care Center (ECC) plays an essential role in caring for the urgent health needs of our community, treating more than 80,000 children and adult patients each year. The expanded center was opened in 2018 to help accommodate Manatee County's growing population. It is just under 33,000 square feet, making it the largest ECC in the county.
Freestanding emergency departments
Manatee Memorial Hospital’s desire to provide more convenient access to healthcare has led to the introduction of freestanding emergency departments (FEDs). The FEDs are very similar to the emergency department at a hospital. They handle any emergency and are fully staffed with a doctor on-site 24/7. In addition, they can perform CT scans as well as full X-rays, and there is a comprehensive lab.
“We’re going out into the community, and in a place like Manatee County, that’s critical,” said Teresa Rawe, DO, Medical Director for Emergency Medicine at Manatee Memorial. “Manatee County has grown exponentially in recent years, and yet the hospitals are stationary. By going into the communities, we are making it easier for patients to access emergency care. Not only that, but the hospitals are very crowded. The freestanding emergency departments ease that crowding.”
“Typically, our FEDs have a shorter waiting time to be seen,” explained Tammy Sloas, Nursing Director, Manatee FEDs. “If an admission is necessary, we will transport a patient to Manatee Memorial for additional care and treatment.* We are staffed with physicians and nurses 24/7 and ready for emergency situations.”
FED vs. Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care centers have set hours and treat non-emergency issues including routine cough and cold, nausea and vomiting, mild belly pain, scrapes, simple lacerations or someone needing a tetanus shot. Some are also capable of treating small fractures and sprains. Most urgent care centers don’t have comprehensive labs that can provide answers on-site and are limited in radiology services.
The Emergency Care Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital
206 Second Street East
Bradenton
Phone: 941-746-5111
Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens**
5506 14th St. W.
Bradenton
Phone: 941-751-7800
ER at Sun City Center**
16504 US 301
Wimauma
Phone: 813-642-1000
Manatee ER at Palma Sola** (coming soon)
75th Street and Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
*Or arrange for transfer to a hospital of your choice.
**These emergency departments are part of Manatee Memorial Hospital. They are not urgent care centers. Their services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Wait times may vary.