Overview of Department:

The Emergency Department at Speare Memorial Hospital provides exceptional 24-hour emergency care for nearly 20,000 patients every year.  As a full-service emergency department, (ED), we offer a multitude of medical and trauma services to the community for all ages.  Our physician coverage includes a board certified physician on staff 24-hours a day, as well as a midlevel provider —nurse practitioner or physician assistant—during peak hours.

Our Team

Andrew W. Seefeld, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM
Medical Director, Emergency Department
Director of Emergency Medical Services

Jeanne Erickson, RN  
EMS Coordinator, AEMT, EMT Instructor, CCEMTP

Debra Thompson, RN, BSN, CEN  
Nurse Director, Critical Care Services

Our care team includes Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Paramedics (RP), Emergency Department Technicians and Health Unit Clerks working to provide excellent care, meeting the needs of our patients and families by applying their superior clinical expertise:

• Eleven RN’s demonstrate advanced expertise in emergency nursing, having achieved the nationally recognized Certification in Emergency Nursing (CEN)
• Two RN’s certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). The SANE nurse specialty allows evidence collection and exceptional care for those who have been sexually assaulted
• Four RN/RP’s certified as Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Providers. These providers demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the management of critical patients during transport

The Emergency Department works closely with local emergency medical service providers:

• Dartmouth Hitchcock Air Response Team (DHART) for critical care transport. A helipad is located adjacent to the hospital, just outside the Emergency Department entrance
• Local transport services to provide safe and efficient transfer for our patients requiring services of a specialized care facility
• Offers area Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Physician Assistant students the opportunity to train and receive mentoring in this dynamic environment

Contact Us

Department direct line: 603-238-2239

Hours of operation: 24 hours-a-day

How to make an appt/need for physician referral: No appointments; call 911 for an ambulance.

Resources/FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you take appointments?
A: No.

Q: In what order to you see patients?
A: The triage process, conducted by a registered nurse, sorts patients based on the severity of illness/injury. Those with the most serious injuries and/or illnesses are seen first.

Q: Do you have an ambulance service?
A: No. All emergency calls should go through 911. You should not call the hospital.

Q: Can I choose which physician I see in the Emergency Department?
A: No.  Generally, there is one Physician and one Nurse practitioner on in the ER during peak hours, and we do not disclose their information over the phone.

Q: How do I know if I need to go to the Emergency Department?
A: You should visit the Emergency Department if you believe your condition is life or limb threatening, or could quickly become life or limb threatening. An Emergency Department visit may also be necessary if you experience the any following: seizures; severe breathing problems; sudden numbness, weakness, disorientation, or difficulty speaking; chest pain; severe burns; sudden severe headache with no history of migraines; serious bodily injury; deep lacerations that do not stop bleeding with direct pressure; broken bones; loss of consciousness; or severe reaction to an insect bite/sting, medication, or food.

Helpful Link

Poison Control Center