The Emergency Department (ED) wait clock was designed with patients in mind, to provide up-to-date information on the estimated wait time to see a physician.
The ED wait clock represent the 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.
In the case of a serious emergency, please call 911. If your medical problem isn't urgent, you may want to consider alternatives other than the ED, such as a walk-in clinic, an urgent care centre, including the Urgent Care Centre at Peel Memorial, or scheduling an appointment to see your family doctor. You may also want to consider using our Virtual Urgent Care service. Learn more about your other health care options.
Brampton Civic Hospital
Etobicoke General Hospital
Virtual Urgent Care appointment status
Our Virtual Urgent Care service is an alternative to in person urgent care. Learn more about Virtual Urgent Care or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What do ED wait times reflect? |
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ED wait times are an estimate of the time in hours to be triaged, registered and see a doctor or nurse practitioner. The ED wait clock does not predict your entire length of stay, as that will depend on the care you require, such as therapy, diagnostic imaging, testing, etc. |
How often are ED wait times refreshed? |
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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? |
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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 a serious accident or patients arriving with life or limb threatening injuries or illnesses can unexpectedly impact the wait times. |
How will I be assessed for my turn to be seen? |
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The ED does not work on a first-come, first-served system. It's important to know that critical patients will be seen first, whether they arrive on their own or via ambulance. 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 emergency departments and their staff to prioritize patient care requirements. You will be seen by a doctor based on that assessment. In simple terms, the sickest patients will be seen most quickly. |
