When to go to an Emergency Department

Niagara Health operates three Emergency Departments in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our Emergency team treats patients who need care for a life-threatening illness or injury.

During your visit

The patients with the most urgent need are always seen first, even though they may arrive after other patients.

 Learn what to expect during your visit.

1. When you arrive in the Emergency Department, you will visit the Triage Nurse, who will assess your condition. The nurse will ask you for your medical history, your list of medications and will give you instructions on next steps. 
2. Tell the Triage Nurse immediately if your condition changes or you begin to feel worse.
3. Don’t leave without telling the Triage Nurse and having your condition re-evaluated.
4. Don’t eat or drink anything without speaking to the Triage Nurse first — some tests cannot be performed if you have recently had food or something to drink.
5. Clean your hands often with a cleansing solution provided in the waiting area and stationed around the hospital. Proper hand hygiene is key to prevent and control the spread of infection.
6. Have only one friend or family member wait with you, if possible. This will help reduce your own level of stress and prevent overcrowding.
7. Please be respectful and courteous to other patients and hospital staff.

Current Wait Times Frequently Asked Questions

If you are admitted 

If you require ongoing care, you may be admitted to the hospital. If a bed is not immediately available, your admitted care will continue in the Emergency Department until one becomes available.

If we have determined that hospital admission is not necessary at this time, our team will make every effort to connect you with the right support needed in the community to continue recovering safely at home or an appropriate care setting.

Once we have determined that your acute care needs are met, you will be discharged. Niagara Health discharge planners will make every effort to work with you and your loved ones to coordinate the right support and community public funded resources needed to continue recovering safely at home or an appropriate care setting. This may include home care services, community supports or independent living facilities. 

Parking

Onsite parking is available at all Niagara Health sites. Signage at each location will direct you to park in the lots designated for patients and visitors and give instructions on how to pay.

Learn more