Everyone loves the summer… what’s not to love? The days are longer and warmer, the sun is shining, and outdoor activities are at a peak. It's no coincidence that the summer months are also the busiest months of the year for the emergency department, with a surge in accidents and injuries, many of which are preventable. We asked Jeffrey Hopkins, MD, Medical Director of our emergency department to give us some advice on ways to avoid an emergency department visit during the summer months. Check out the Healthy Living Tips section and the Q and A for Dr. Hopkins's recommendations.

We understand how stressful a trip to the emergency department can be for most people. While the staff at Milford Regional is skilled and comfortable in the fast-paced world of emergency care, we realize that for most patients and their families, entering into our emergency department is a very stressful time. We assure you that we are constantly vigilant of your needs and our triage system allows us to attend to patients as quickly as possible.

Feel confident that Milford Regional's emergency department offers you the most sought-after community facility available to treat your emergency needs. Our highly skilled and credentialed team of certified Emergency Medicine physicians, nurses and other support staff stand ready to help you. Read more.

The following safety tips are designed to keep you healthy while enjoying your summer. After all, it's much more fun to swim in the pool than to sit on the couch with your leg in a cast! Read more.

Submitted by Jeffrey Hopkins, MD,
Medical Director, Emergency Department

Q & A

Q. If I find a tick on my body, does that mean I will get Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by bacteria transmitted from an infected tick. Most cases of Lyme occur from the late spring to early fall. Patients frequently come to the emergency department for removal of embedded ticks and concern about this disease. The good news is that most people bitten by ticks do not get Lyme disease. Usually, infection requires that the tick be attached for over 24 hours. Prevention of tick bites, prompt removal of ticks, and early recognition of symptoms are the best ways to avoid long-term complications from this disease. Read more.

Submitted by Jeffrey Hopkins, MD,
Medical Director, Emergency Department

Milford Regional was Awarded Gold Stroke Achievement Award

Milford Regional recently received the American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines^SM-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) Gold Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes our commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment for at least 24 months according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the GWTG-Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award addresses the important element of time," said Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, Medical Director of our emergency department and co-chair of the Stroke Team. Our Medical Center has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate. Read more.

Milford Regional Voted #1 Hospital in the Region Once Again

During the winter months, Community Newspaper Company (which includes Milford Daily News, Metrowest Daily News, Country Gazette, Hopkinton Crier and Holliston Tab) asked readers to vote for their "#1 Choice" in a variety of categories as part of their annual Readers Choice Awards competition. This year over 335,000 votes were cast.

For the second year in a row, Milford Regional won top honors as the gold winner in the regional hospital category which includes 30 surrounding towns. In addition, many of the physicians on our active medical staff received recognition by readers in the primary care/pediatrician category. We would like to thank our patients and their families for keeping us at the top of their list!

New Laboratory Location at 215 West Street in Milford

We have a new lab location that will open its doors to patients in mid-August. The lab is conveniently located at 215 West Street in Milford, just up the street from the Medical Center. Whenever you receive an order from your doctor for lab work, you can use any of our eight lab locations. It doesn't matter who your doctor is or where their practice is located. Our labs can get your tests done quickly and return the results to your doctor's office expeditiously.

The new lab location at 215 West Street will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. They can be reached at 508-902-0090.

Milford Regional’s active medical staff, consisting of over 200 doctors, is highly qualified to treat you and your family through life’s ups and downs. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, you can be assured of the best possible care.

If you need a primary care physician, please call our Physician Referral Line at 1-888-DRS-HERE (1-888-377-4373). Our Referral Line, a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has access to physicians who are accepting new patients. You may also call our Referral Line to find a specialist.

See our list of Primary Care Physicians who are accepting new patients. It is important to note that not all physicians accept all insurances. Please call the physician's office directly to find out if they accept your insurance plan.

Emergency Medicine Physicians

Our 31-bed emergency department provides comprehensive treatment for a variety of conditions, ranging from life-threatening illnesses and injuries to minor medical problems. We strive to deliver the highest-quality emergency service available. What makes our emergency department stand out is the fact that all of the physicians are board certified in emergency medicine and provide coverage for the department 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. We also have physicians board certified in sub-specialties such as pediatrics and toxicology. There are 22 physicians in the emergency department with outstanding credentials. Read more.