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Hospital Emergency Wait Times in Toronto

Emergency department wait times can be long for Ontario residents. Long wait times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.

💡  Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs, preparing for long wait times, avoiding peak times, and finding alternative care.

⬇️  Scroll down to compare hospitals by expected wait time. Confirm the current expected wait time when you arrive at the hospital.

Wait time is defined as the time between (a) the earlier of triage time or registration time; and (b) the time of physician initial assessment in the emergency department.

You can also compare emergency department wait times for other Greater Toronto Area municipalities: Ajax, Brampton, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Oakville, Oshawa, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.

Protect Yourself & Loved Ones

Crowded waiting rooms can increase your risk of exposure to diseases. Hospitals are often filled with patients with contagious conditions. Protect yourself as you wait for emergency care.

  • 😷  Wear a mask. Protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. Masks are particularly effective during flu seasons.
  • 🧴  Practice hand hygiene. Contact with shared surfaces, such as chairs, doorknobs, and check-in kiosks, can expose you to pathogens. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer.
  • 📱  Protect belongings. Germs can transfer to your belongings. Keep personal items, such as phones and bags, away from shared surfaces. Sanitize personal items with disinfecting wipes at home.
  • 💪🏼  Boost your immune system. Build an extra layer of protection with supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc can boost immune function to fight infections.

Long waits in the emergency department can be stressful. Learn how to make effective use of time in the waiting room.

Prepare for Long Wait Times

Long wait times are often unavoidable, especially during peak times or for non-urgent conditions. Prepare for an extended stay to be more comfortable and to reduce stress.

  • 🍪  Pack healthy snacks. Hospitals may have limited food options. Bring snacks to sustain energy levels. Check with the doctor or nurse practitioner if fasting is required. Consider trail mix, whole-grain crackers or granola bars.
  • 🧦  Dress comfortably. Hospitals can have variable temperatures. Dress in layers. Wear comfortable clothing.

Long waits in the emergency department can be stressful. Learn how to make effective use of time in the waiting room.

Find Emergency Care in Toronto

Downtown Toronto is served by multiple primary care facilities:

The remainder of Toronto, including Etobicoke and East York, is served by the following primary care facilities:

North York is served by two primary care facilities:

Scarborough is served by three primary care facilities:

Long waits in the emergency department can be stressful. Learn how to make effective use of time in the waiting room.

Plan Ahead for Peak Times

Planning your visit to the emergency department can significantly impact wait times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.

Mondays tend to be the busiest day of the week in hospital emergency departments. The accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend often result in a surge of patient volume on the first work day of the week.

If your condition allows for flexibility in seeking care, consider the day of the week for your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends.

The time of day is unlikely to significantly reduce wait times, as hospitals align staff availability with patient volumes.

During standard business hours, from morning to early evening, full staffing is in place. However, higher patient volumes during these times can create bottlenecks. Even with more medical personnel, increased demand can still lead to longer waits as emergency departments handle the influx of patients.

Late-night and early-morning hours may seem ideal due to fewer patients. However, reduced staffing during these hours often negates the benefit of a smaller patient load. Patients may still face long waits due to limited healthcare providers.

Demand seasonality can affect wait times in emergency departments across Canada, particularly among younger patients. Young children, aged 0 to 5, see a rise in emergency visits during autumn, with a notable decline in the summer months. Children, aged 5 to 19, experience a peak in spring and a similar decrease in the summer.

Adults, aged 20 to 64, generally show consistent demand for emergency care throughout the year. Seniors over 65 also follow a steady pattern, with minimal seasonal fluctuations.

Consider Other Care Options

If medical conditions are not urgent, you can consider alternative care options:

  • Family doctors can serve as the primary point of contact for managing ongoing or non-urgent medical concerns. They provide comprehensive and personalized care, often maintaining detailed records of a patient’s medical history, which facilitates continuity of care and long-term management of health conditions.
  • Walk-in clinics can offer convenient medical services for minor injuries or illnesses without the requirement of an appointment.
  • Urgent care centres can provide medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor fractures or severe flu symptoms. These centres typically offer faster service compared to emergency departments.
  • Nurse practitioner-led clinics can provide diagnosis and treatment for common injuries and illnesses, prescriptions, and blood and diagnostic tests. NP-led clinics are particularly valuable if family doctors are not available in the area.

Learn wait times for common medical procedures in Ontario:

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