When should I go to the Emergency Department?

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) offers a list of warning signs that indicate a medical emergency. They include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
• Changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Any sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal feelings
• Difficulty speaking

We also created this easy-to-use guide to determine when to seek each level of care.

How can I tell if my child needs to go to the Emergency Department?

Always get immediate medical attention if you think your child is having a medical emergency. Symptoms that are serious for a child may not be as serious for an adult. Children may also be unable to communicate their conditions.

Does St. Charles offer an Urgent Care Clinic for less critical conditions?

St. Charles Urgent Care has locations in Central Oregon for patients with less critical illnesses and injuries, such as a sprained ankle or minor respiratory illnesses. Urgent Care patients receive affordable, quality, walk-in care as quickly as possible. Click here for urgent care clinic location information.

How long will I wait to see a doctor?

Your wait time will depend on the seriousness of your injury or illness. Your condition will be evaluated upon arrival, and we make every effort to reduce wait time. Patients needing critical care receive treatment first.

When do I pay for my treatment?

We will evaluate and care for every patient who comes to our Emergency Department, regardless of ability to pay. Insurance and payment information is collected after the situation is no longer an emergency. Financial counselors are available to help with payment options.

May I have visitors in the Emergency Department?

Visitors must receive permission from the patient's nurse and follow our Emergency Department Visitor Guidelines.

What should I do after I leave the Emergency Department?

Patients receive instructions for aftercare when discharged from the Emergency Department. Treatment received at the Emergency Department is on an emergency basis only. You are advised to visit your own physician for follow-up care. You may call or return to the Emergency Department if you're unable to see a physician and your condition gets worse.

The Emergency Departments at our four hospitals are open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to provide care for all. Everyone visiting our Emergency Departments — regardless of ability to pay — will receive care.

Our Certified Trauma Centers

St. Charles Bend is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the Oregon Public Health Division and is the only Level II Trauma Center east of the Cascades. St. Charles Redmond, St. Charles Prineville and St. Charles Madras are all certified Level IV Trauma Centers. We have one of the most extensive coverage areas in the continental United States spanning from the Columbia River Gorge, east to Idaho and down into parts of Northern California. Our hospitals are affiliated with AirLink for emergency transports.

Our Team

Our staff includes board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurses trained and certified in emergency care, as well as specialized medical professionals.

Gynecology care in Central Oregon

If you’re looking for a gynecologist in Central Oregon, we can help you find the right care for every stage of your life. Our Center for Women’s Health provides expert gynecology in a warm, compassionate atmosphere and specializes in hysterectomy, menopause, endometriosis, pregnancy, family planning, well-woman care, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and incontinence.

Our gynecologists offer a full range of care for women 

Our OB-GYNs have advanced training in the medical and surgical care of women, pregnant mothers and unborn children. Our physicians sub-specialize in a variety of medical fields, including female pelvic medicine (including chronic pain, bladder control and painful bladder), reconstructive surgery, gynecologic cancers (such as uterine, cervical and ovarian) and reproductive health and fertility. 

Gynecology services at the St. Charles Center for Women's Health

Whether you need a routine checkup, an annual screening or advanced gynecologic surgery, our specialists offer the care and treatment you need. From gynecological exams to menopause counseling and pelvic pain management to advanced robotic hysterectomy, our OB-GYNs are ready to help guide you to optimum health.

We offer the following services for gynecology in Central Oregon:

• Bone density testing (for osteoporosis)
• Breast exams and breast cyst aspiration
• Cancer care, including mammogram, Pap smear and biopsy of the breast, cervix and other reproductive organs
• Chronic disease management of diabetes, thyroid disease and depression
• Family planning, including oral contraceptives/birth control, hormone patches and shots, cervical caps, IUDs (intrauterine devices) and tubal ligation
• Diabetes screening and treatment
• Gynecologic surgery
• Gynecological exams and preventive cancer screenings
• Hormone treatments, including hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms or after a hysterectomy
• Pelvic procedures, including pelvic exams, ovary removal, cervical exam and pelvic organ suspension
• STD screenings
• Treatment for menopause
• Ultrasound evaluation
• Urogynecology for incontinence and pelvic floor disorders
• Uterine procedures, including hysterectomy, fibroid embolization and endometrial ablation

Find a gynecologist near you

Find one of our medical centers nearest to you and call to request an appointment. If you need assistance finding an OB-GYN, our specialists and support staff are here to help you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 22, 2019

St. Charles Health System is pleased to announce Jody Britton has been hired as community and philanthropy advocate for Crook County.

Britton, a resident of Prineville, brings a deep professional background in marketing and community engagement. She owned Northwest Marketing Strategies and previously worked for Zolo Media. She also volunteers in the community, most recently creating and organizing the Black and Blue golf tournament to raise money for Shop with a Cop.

“I am so excited to be a part of St. Charles,” said Britton. “Prineville is a giving and involved community, and now I get to build bridges between individuals, businesses, nonprofit groups and the hospital. I’ve only been working at St. Charles a few weeks, but have learned so much about the incredible health care provided in Prineville, the expansion of the clinic and all the ways St. Charles is involved in the community.”

Todd Shields, vice president of hospital administration for St. Charles Prineville, said Britton is a great addition to the community engagement team.

“We’re doing great things here at St. Charles Prineville and Jody will be out in the community meeting with folks, providing support to community activities and finding ways to help everyone in Crook County become healthier. Between the two of us, we hope to connect with everyone in the county.”

Britton can be reached at 541-447-8417 or [email protected].

About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,200 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 22, 2019

St. Charles Health System is pleased to announce Marcus Thompson has been hired as Jefferson County community and philanthropy advocate.

Previously a community health educator for St. Charles Madras, Thompson’s new responsibilities include cultivating relationships to more closely link the community with the Madras hospital.

A resident of Madras, Thompson is a graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in human development.

“I love working for St. Charles Madras and am excited for this new role,” he said. “I’ve worked pretty closely with the human services organizations and groups in the county, and now I will get to expand that network to include individuals and businesses.”

David Golda, vice president of hospital administration for St. Charles Madras, is excited to add Thompson to his team.

“We want everyone in Jefferson County to be healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Marcus will be a key caregiver working with me to support community wellness, raise money for St. Charles Madras and participate in important community conversations and events.”

Thompson can be reached at 541-460-4112 or [email protected].

About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,200 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

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A national leader in heart care

The amount of time it takes for a heart attack patient to receive a stent once reaching St. Charles Bend — known as door-to-balloon time — is better than national averages.

The health system has received the following recognition from the American Heart Association:

• Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement
• Mission Lifeline Receiving Gold Plus Award
• Mission Lifeline NSTEMI Bronze Award

Our expert team of cardiologists provides the following services:

• Interventional cardiology in a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab
• Pacemakers and defibrillators
• Arrhythmia management
• Electrocardiography
• Cholesterol management
• Stress testing
• Hypertension treatment
• Angioplasty (radial and traditional)
• Echocardiography
• Nuclear cardiac imaging
• Coronary calcium screening
• Cardiac risk assessment
• Enhanced external counterpulsation
• Interventional Radiology Procedures
• Vascular Program

Helping terminally ill patients make the most of life

A terminal diagnosis may leave patients and their families feeling stressed, overwhelmed or scared. But St. Charles Hospice can help. Our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, North Klamath, Southern Wasco and Southern Wheeler counties.

Our goal at St. Charles Hospice is to improve our patients’ quality of life and address the physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families. We respect patient wishes to die a natural death in a familiar environment with comfort, peace and dignity.

An integrated system of care

Our integration with St. Charles Health System allows us to provide a seamless continuum of care to our patients. In most cases, we’ve already served them in some capacity. They know and trust St. Charles, and we’re honored to continue our care through hospice services.

As part of St. Charles, we can also easily access medical records and prescriptions, and communicate with other St. Charles providers or services our patients may have used. In addition, our patients have access to pharmacy and medical supplies, which can be mailed right to their home.

Quality hospice for anyone in need

Concerns about the cost of hospice should never prevent you or your loved ones from receiving care. St. Charles Hospice Care provides hospice for anyone who needs it. The services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private and commercial insurance. We’re also supported by community donations.

Oregon Advance Directive Form

Formulario de directiva anticipada de Oregon

Partnering with you on your cancer journey

From the moment you receive a cancer diagnosis, you are a survivor. Family, friends and caregivers impacted by cancer, you are co-survivors.

We've created a place of healing — high tech and high touch — where research, technology and human interaction come together in a collaborative effort of medical excellence.

The words, "you have cancer," are life changing. Facing your diagnosis and the winding road ahead through treatment and beyond may leave you feeling out of control and afraid. We're here to help, heal and support.

St. Charles Cancer Center brings together leading research, technology and personalized guidance to deliver the highest quality patient care — both physically and emotionally. Our cancer center offers comprehensive services including radiation and medical oncology in one location, an on-site pharmacist, nutrition services, oncology-trained physical therapists, survivorship programs and more. 

In addition to the emotional toll - the fear and anxiety - we know delays in treatment can also lead to worse health outcomes for patients. Every day matters when it comes to treating cancer. Reducing the time that patients spend in limbo - between diagnosis and treatment - is what makes us so excited and hopeful about the instant approval process pilot program.

 

- Linyee Chang, MD, Senior Medical Director, St. Charles Cancer Institute

Our commitment to the highest quality care

When you've been diagnosed with cancer, you want care from doctors who specialize in your specific disease. At the St. Charles Cancer Center, that's exactly what we're building - teams of fellowship-trained experts dedicated to treating individual cancer types with precision and compassion. Our physicians have trained at some of the most prestigious cancer institutions in the country, where they were exposed to the most advanced therapies and research. 

This map shows where our physicians' journeys began - and how their expertise now converges here in Central Oregon. Many maintain strong ties to their training institutions, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest treatments and national best practices. With 19 fellowship-trained specialists and a growing team fueled by the opening of our new Cancer Center in Redmond, we're committed to delivering world-class cancer care close to home.

The St. Charles Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.