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When to go to an Emergency Department

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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.

Where to go

St. Catharines Site
1200 Fourth Ave.

Niagara Falls Site
5546 Portage Rd.

Welland Site
65 Third St.

What to bring with you

  • Ontario health card
  • List of all medications and allergies (you can ask your local pharmacy to help fill this out)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Private and out-of-province health insurance information

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are enhanced infection prevention and control measures in place to keep everyone safe. If you need support and would like a family member or friend to accompany you, check our COVID-19 visitor guidelines in advance.

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Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening, time-critical emergencies. Go to an Emergency Department to seek treatment for:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Broken bones
  • Partial or total amputation of a limb
  • Traumas or injuries to the head
  • Deep cuts or wounds
  • Severe burns
  • Severe pain
  • Poisoning
  • Loss of consciousness, unable to wake
  • Sudden headaches, dizziness, weakness, numbness, trouble seeing or speaking
  • Mental health issues (overdose,  thoughts of suicide, self-harm or harm to others)
  • Severely ill or injured children and infants
  • Obstetrical emergencies (early pregnancy complications, labour and delivery)

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.

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.

See parking fees, where to park and more on our Visitor Information page.

Niagara Health System