About Us

In Milwaukee, WI, Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus and ER is a critical care hospital with advanced specialty care services.

When you choose Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus for your family’s emergency care, you’ll get the right care, at the right place and at the right time. And, we have a level IV trauma center. When care is needed right away, we’re close to where you are with 24/7 care for life-threatening and severe illness and injury — including heart attack, stroke, trauma and more. We listen to quickly understand your health needs. Then, we provide care that’s right for you. From the moment you enter the doors, we deliver compassionate care to help you and your loved ones through an emergency.

When your child needs pediatric emergency care, our emergency room provides family-centered care. Children's needs are different from adults, so our doctors and care teams care for kids and their specific needs. 

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911. Signs or symptoms of an acute emergency may include shortness of breath, chest pain, open fracture, fainting, severe bleeding, head injury or other major trauma, one-sided weakness or numbness, loss of consciousness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, or bites or stings.

Reasons to seek emergency care 

When you’re having an emergency, getting the right care at the right time is important. Visit an ER if you or a loved one is experiencing:

  • A broken bone
  • Bites or stings
  • Blue face and lips, or pale coloring
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Fainting
  • Head injury or other trauma
  • Labor pains
  • Open fractures
  • Seizure
  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden numbness or weakness

Connected to specialized follow-up care

Your care doesn’t stop when you leave the ER. Because we’re more than emergency care, you will be connected to follow-up care to support your care plan and recovery. We connect you to specialists in heart care, brain and spine care, cancer care and more. Your care team also helps you manage your medications and sends prescriptions to your local pharmacy or through Ascension Rx. And you will always have access to other services at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus, like imaging and lab.

Stroke care

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, every second counts. It's important to get to the right place, at the right time. The Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus Primary Stroke Center is one of Milwaukee’s advanced stroke centers, and connected to specialists at our Comprehensive Stroke Center. Our care teams are here 24/7 - delivering advanced stroke care for even the most complex cases around the clock.

Care for physical and sexual assault

Your safety is our top priority. If you have been physically or sexually assaulted, we are here for you. You may choose to have a forensic evaluation after being assaulted. Our specialists listen to you and your concerns. Then, we deliver the care you need. At Ascension Wisconsin, we have a dedicated forensic nursing team offering 24/7 care to patients of any age. For more information, please call 262-687-8970.

Ascension Wisconsin focuses on cancer prevention

Ascension Wisconsin sites of care in Southeast Wisconsin and the Fox Valley provide screenings to support cancer prevention and your overall wellness. Being at a higher risk for developing cancer can leave you with a lot of questions and uncertainty. Your Ascension Wisconsin doctor and care team are here to listen, support you and answer your questions. Understanding your risk and getting the recommended screenings can help to detect cancer early when it’s most treatable. If you have risk factors for developing cancer, speak with your doctor to determine if the Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is right for you. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan and connect you to the care that supports your overall well-being and health goals. Your care team provides:

  • Personalized risk assessment – may include genetic tests, physical evaluation, screening, and other lab and imaging tests.
  • Referral to cancer specialists for follow-up care, if needed.
  • Wellness plan with health coaching and goal setting – may include medication management, nutrition and exercise counseling to support weight management, and referral to alcohol and drug addiction counseling, if needed.

Schedule an appointment, call 262-785-2273

Behavioral and mental health services

Doctors and care teams at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care focus on the whole you, providing behavioral, mental health, and substance use care. Caring for your mental and emotional health can help you more easily handle the stressors that can impact your overall health. If you or your child is feeling sad, overwhelmed or anxious, or struggles with an addiction, start a conversation with your primary care doctor at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care. They will listen to you and work with you on a care plan that’s right for you or your child. And if you need more advanced behavioral, mental health or opioid dependency treatment, your doctor will connect you to specialists, and help provide the compassionate support you need. Learn more about our adult and youth services.

Know what to do in a mental health emergency

Quickly recognizing the signs of moderate to severe mental or emotional distress, or a substance use crisis is the first step in getting necessary care. For emergencies, including severe mental health distress and suspected opioid overdose, ERs at our hospitals are open 24/7. Find emergency care near you.