Caring for Mid-Valley Residents When It Matters Most
In 2014, South Texas Health System opened ER Weslaco as a trusted resource for medical care when minutes matter most. ER Weslaco was the health system’s first of now seven freestanding emergency departments (FEDs).
FEDs are designed to be more accessible and focused on providing emergency care than traditional options like urgent care centers or night clinics. ER Weslaco is staffed with emergency room nurses and doctors and equipped with the same diagnostic technology available in the ERs of our STHS facilities.
When should I go to the ER?
Knowing the right place to seek care can cause uncertainty. Whereas urgent care clinics are appropriate for mild illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, earache) and minor injuries (e.g., minor cuts and burns), more serious medical events require the capabilities found within a traditional emergency department.
Here are some possible scenarios that mean it’s time to call 911 or head to the nearest ER:*
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Unusual or severe sudden headache
- Suddenly not being able to speak, see, walk or move
- Sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the body
- Head or eye injury/concussion
- Seizures or passing out
- Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes
- Sudden confusion
- Deep cut that may need stitches
- Possible broken bone
- Deep wound
- Serious burn
- Coughing or throwing up blood
- Severe pain
- Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling or hives
- High fever with headache and stiff neck
- High fever that does not get better with medicine
- Poisoning or overdose of drug or alcohol
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or others (You can also contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
Making preventive care convenient and quick
Did you know that Hidalgo County has higher-than-average rates of diabetes, heart disease and stroke?** ER Weslaco is also here to help you take control of your health, offering services that promote early detection and treatment of conditions like these.
Outpatient services include laboratory tests, bone density and computer tomography (CT) scanning, digital X-rays, digital mammography and more. Appointments are available on a same-day, walk-in basis.
ER Weslaco is proud to celebrate 10 years of contributing to the health and well-being of our community. All seven STHS freestanding emergency departments stand ready to treat and stabilize a wide range of medical emergencies … and that sudden issue that just can’t wait for clinic opening hours.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or seek the nearest emergency room. In case of a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
*Source: National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus
**Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention