The Emergency Departments are experiencing high volumes of patients who need care. Please be prepared to wait. The most serious cases are treated first.
Not all health concerns need emergency care. You can also book a virtual visit or go to an urgent care clinic for these concerns. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Thank you for your patience.
A few years ago, something important began to happen in our community.
St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital had worked side by side for many years. We shared doctors, some joint services and leaders, and supported each other with a shared commitment to provide high-quality care for the right patient at the right time, with compassion. As Waterloo Region continued to grow, everyone started asking the same question: How can we work better together to care for our community now and in the future?
Listening and Learning Together
In April 2024, the Boards of both hospitals agreed it was time to come together as one organization. Thousands of people were part of the conversation from patients, families, team members, physicians, health partners, and community members. What we heard was clear: it was no longer about if we should work as one, but how we could do it best.
A New Name Takes Flight
After months of planning, listening and engaging with the people we work with, partner with and care for, a new name was chosen in November 2024: Waterloo Regional Health Network, or WRHN (pronounced “wren”).
The name “Health Network” was chosen on purpose. It shows that healthcare is more than just a hospital building. Care happens in many places, in hospitals, in the community, and even at home. It also shows that caring for people is a team effort.
The wren, a small but strong bird, inspired our new brand. Wrens are known for being creative, curious, and adaptable, qualities that reflect how we care for our community today and how we plan for the future.
One Organization, Many Places of Care
In April 2025, WRHN officially became one unified organization. Our hospital sites now work together as:
• WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital – KW Campus)
• WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd. (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital)
• WRHN @ Chicopee (formerly Grand River Hospital – Freeport Campus)
• WRHN @ 40 Green
• WRHN Cancer Centre
• WRHN @ 18 Pine
• WRHN @ 52 Glasgow
• WRHN @ 400 Queen St.
• WRHN @ 850 King
• WRHN @ The Boardwalk
While the names have changed, our commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care has not.
Caring for a Growing Community
Waterloo Region is one of the fastest-growing areas in Canada and is expected to reach one million people by 2050. Today, nearly 1.5 million people rely on WRHN for care.
Some of our hospital buildings are more than 100 years old. They were built for a much smaller community and cannot fully support today’s technology or future needs. That is why WRHN is planning for new and improved healthcare spaces, including a new state-of-the-art hospital and upgraded facilities.
This is the largest healthcare project our community has ever seen, and it’s happening because we are stronger together.
Looking Ahead, Together
Waterloo Regional Health Network was created to help people feel welcomed, valued, and supported at every step of their healthcare journey. We believe healing happens best when patients, caregivers, team members, partners, donors, and communities work together.
Welcome to WRHN! Outstanding care that’s personal, seamless and reimagined.
