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.
As respiratory illness season takes hold, hospitals across Waterloo-Wellington regions are reminding residents that simple prevention measures can help protect community health and reduce growing pressures on local emergency departments.
Hospitals are urging the public to receive vaccinations, wash hands frequently, wear a mask when appropriate, and stay home when unwell to help limit the spread of respiratory illness.
To help residents find the right care at the right time, Waterloo-Wellington hospitals are encouraging residents to use the Know Your Care Options online resource created in partnership with health care providers across both regions. The guide provides information on virtual and walk-in care, vaccination sites, and guidance on when to contact a family doctor or nurse practitioner for non-emergencies.
Patients should always seek emergency care when truly needed, and are encouraged to access alternative care options to ensure they receive the right care in the right place such as:
As hospitals prioritize the sickest patients first, non-urgent cases may face longer waits and asks all patients to remain patient and respectful when seeking care.
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