Emergency Services

What to Expect

At the desk, a secretary will ask you general questions about your reason for visiting and swipe your Health Card. You will then be asked to take a seat in the waiting room until you are called to be “triaged” or assessed by a nurse, who will take your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, etc.) and ask you more specific questions. After this assessment, you will be asked to return to the waiting room until you are called for treatment.

Please note: Although Emergency Department staff works hard to see you as soon as possible, patients are seen based on the seriousness of their injuries/illness, not in order of arrival. Those with less serious injuries may be required to wait longer.

If your symptoms worsen while you are waiting, please approach the desk and let the nurse know. Nurses will also be watching your condition while you are in the waiting room—the area is set up so that the nurse at the desk can see and monitor all patients. Nurses may also check your vital signs again, depending on your symptoms and the wait time. 

During Treatment

You will be called at some point to enter the main treatment area of the Emergency Department. A doctor will assess you based on your symptoms and ask you questions about your condition. You may be sent for tests including diagnostic imaging (X-rays, etc.) or lab tests (for example, blood work).

Patient Discharge

After your assessment, your doctor may find that there is no need for further treatment, and will discharge you. The doctor may give you a prescription and further instructions, including follow up with your primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.). Please note these instructions carefully. You may find it helpful to bring a pen and paper to write these instructions down.

Narcotics Policy

Doctors at the Emergency Department will not refill or give a prescription for any narcotics including codeine-based painkillers. Please visit your primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.) to renew your prescription.

Ambulance Services

EMS is available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. A co-payment charge for this service is applicable according to OHIP guidelines. Individuals who need an ambulance for a non-urgent situation or who do not have a valid Health Card will be required to pay the entire fees.