Emergency Department Wait Times

Please Note: wait times across our four Emergency Departments (ED) are higher than usual. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, go to the ED. For all other non-emergencies, please consider your care options outside the ED.

Lakeridge Health's ED Wait Times Tracker was designed with patients in mind, to provide updated information on the estimated wait time to see a physician.

The ED Wait Times Tracker represents an approximate wait time most patients will wait to see a physician. The wait clock does not predict the entire length of stay, as that depends on the care required and tests a patient may need.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention, please call 911.

Urgent Care Options Click Here

Lakeridge Health ED Wait Times Tracker

Having trouble viewing the ED Wait Times Tracker on your mobile device? Click on the "Fit to Page" icon

What does the wait trend mean? Arrow up means wait times are increasing. Dash means wait times are stable. Arrow down means wait times are decreasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Emergency Department wait times reflect?
ED wait times are an estimate of the time in hours to be triaged, registered, and see a physician or nurse practitioner. The ED Wait Times Tracker does not predict your entire length of stay, as that will depend on the care you require, such as therapy, diagnostic imaging, or testing.
How often are Emergency Department wait times updated?
ED wait times are refreshed every 30 minutes to provide patients and their loved ones with as timely and accurate information about wait times as possible.
Why are ED wait times always changing?
Demand for services in the ED can change very quickly depending on the number of patients arriving and their level of need. Incidents such as serious, life-threatening accidents, trauma cases, or patients arriving with life or limb-threatening injuries or illnesses will impact wait times.
How will I be assessed for my turn to be seen?

The ED does not work on a first-come, first-served basis. It's important to know that critical patients will be seen first, whether they arrive on their own or via ambulance. In simple terms, the sickest patients will be seen most quickly.

Upon arrival in the ED, you will be assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). The CTAS is a tool used both nationally and internationally to allow ED staff to prioritize patient care requirements. You will be seen by a physician based on that assessment.