The wait time presented here refers to the time between being assessed by a triage nurse and seeing a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Waiting = Patients who have not yet had an initial assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Treating = Patients who have had an initial assessment completed by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Niagara Health Emergency Department wait times are provided for general information only. Please be advised that wait times can change significantly and immediately, without warning, and are therefore not guaranteed. Patients will be seen based on their medical condition and the severity of their situation.

Due to rapidly changing demands and the need to see the sickest patients first, your own wait time may be more or less than the time displayed on this website.

The displaying of wait times on the Niagara Health website is for general information only and is not medical advice or a recommendation that you choose a different Emergency Department.

Niagara Health clearly disclaims all liability for the use of this information and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Niagara Health does not assume, and is not responsible for any liability whatsoever arising from any person’s use of this website, including any decisions made about their personal health as a result of using this website.

Why are you making this information available to the public?

Wait times in our Emergency Departments are among the most frequently asked questions by our patients and families. Launching this new system reinforces our commitment to be transparent and accountable by communicating information in real time that will help those we serve make more informed decisions about their care. For all medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 (free from any cell or payphone). Emergency Departments treat patients with serious injuries and illness. Urgent Care Centres treat patients for injuries or illnesses like sprains or strains and minor cuts or burns that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.

What does the online wait time represent?

The online wait time reflects the most current estimate of how long it will take from the time you are assessed by a triage nurse in the Emergency Department until you are seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner. It is not a guarantee of the length of time patients will wait.

Why are wait times always changing?

Emergency demand can change quickly and dramatically depending on patient need. An incident such as a serious trauma can unexpectedly and significantly impact the wait time for others. The wait time data is updated every five minutes, allowing us to provide the most current estimate of the wait time patients can expect to see a physician or nurse practitioner when and if they come to one of our Emergency Departments.

Why are other people being seen before me?

The sickest patients are always seen first to ensure they get the care they need, even though they may arrive at the Emergency Department after other patients. Patients with life- or limb-threatening injuries or illness are treated first, followed by those with less urgent illness or medical conditions.

All Canadian hospitals use the same standard tool to evaluate a patient’s medical urgency. A specially trained triage nurse assesses each patient’s condition upon arrival and prioritizes their medical need based on five triage levels, No. 1 being the most critical and No. 5 being non-urgent.

Should I use the online wait times to determine where I should go?

The online wait time tool is meant to give the public general information about wait times.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. Urgent Care Centres are for minor illnesses and injuries, not emergencies. If you visit an Urgent Care Centre with a medical emergency, 9-1-1 will be called. Our partners across Niagara offer a comprehensive network of community-based healthcare programs and services designed to support your needs. By utilizing these options, you and your loved ones can access timely care while potentially avoiding unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department. Providing wait times on the Niagara Health website is not medical advice or a recommendation that you choose a specific Emergency Department.