Quieter times: Mid-morning (shortly after the 9:00 AM opening) on weekdays tends to be a good time to visit for shorter waits. As with most urgent care centres, volume typically increases throughout the day and into the evening.
Busier times: Late afternoon and evening hours (5:00 PM–8:30 PM) are generally busier as people visit after work or school. Weekends can also see higher patient volumes. Arrive earlier in the day when possible for faster service.
St. Joseph's Hospital / Hôpital St. Joseph at 130 Bayard Drive in Saint John, New Brunswick operates an Urgent Care Centre serving patients of all ages with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries requiring same-day attention. Part of Horizon Health Network and recognized as a Centre of Excellence for Geriatric Medicine, this facility offers physician-led triage, diagnostic testing including X-rays and ultrasounds, and specialized programs such as a Breast Health Program and women's health services. Patients with severe or life-threatening conditions are stabilized and transferred by ambulance to Saint John Regional Hospital, which operates a full 24-hour emergency department.
Services & Specialties
Urgent Care Centre (non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries), Geriatric Medicine – Centre of Excellence, Breast Health Program, Women's Health Services, Ambulatory Surgical Centre, Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound), ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Clinic, Gastroenterology Clinic, Ophthalmology Clinic, Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, Oncology Clinic, Pediatrics Clinic, Dietitian Services, New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program – Ocular Division, Medical and Surgical Clinics.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi for patients and families (provided by Horizon Health Network in partnership with hospital Foundation)
This is an Urgent Care Centre, not a 24/7 emergency department — for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 911 or go directly to Saint John Regional Hospital at 400 University Avenue.
Registration at the Urgent Care Centre closes at 8:30 PM, so arrive well before 9:00 PM to be seen the same day.
For non-life-threatening conditions like minor injuries, infections, or illnesses that can't wait for a scheduled appointment, St. Joseph's Urgent Care typically has shorter wait times than the Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department.
Saint John Transit buses #21 and #23 serve the hospital but stop running well before the 9 PM Urgent Care closing time — plan ahead for evening visits.
If you are referred from Urgent Care to Saint John Regional Hospital, transport is arranged by ambulance — you do not need to arrange your own transfer for serious conditions.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (New Brunswick Medicare card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records or recent test results
Insurance information (if applicable, for non-residents)
Comfortable clothing appropriate for examination
Something to occupy your time while waiting (book, phone charger, headphones)
Parking
On-site parking is available at St. Joseph's Hospital at a rate of $2 per hour or $8 per day. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
Getting There
Saint John Transit serves St. Joseph's Hospital via Bus #21 (hourly, approximately 7:50 AM to 5:50 PM) and Bus #23 (hourly, approximately 8:25 AM to 6:25 PM). Note that bus service does not cover the full Urgent Care Centre hours; if visiting in the evening, arrange alternative transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Joseph's Hospital have a 24-hour emergency department?
No. St. Joseph's Hospital operates an Urgent Care Centre open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is not a 24/7 emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies at any hour, call 911 or go to Saint John Regional Hospital at 400 University Avenue, which has a full 24-hour ED.
What conditions can be treated at the St. Joseph's Urgent Care Centre?
The Urgent Care Centre treats patients of all ages with unexpected, non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring same-day attention — such as minor cuts, sprains, infections, mild breathing issues, or illnesses that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. Patients are triaged on a worst-first basis.
What happens if my condition is too serious for the Urgent Care Centre?
If you are assessed and found to have a condition requiring more intensive treatment or possible hospital admission, you will be transported by ambulance to the Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department. You do not need to arrange your own transport.
Is St. Joseph's Hospital known for any particular medical specialty?
Yes. St. Joseph's Hospital is recognized as a Centre of Excellence for Geriatric Medicine, making it a leading facility in the region for the care of elderly patients. It is also home to a comprehensive Breast Health Program and a range of women's health services.
Is parking available at St. Joseph's Hospital in Saint John?
Yes, on-site parking is available at a rate of $2 per hour or $8 per day. The hospital and its parking facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Can I take public transit to St. Joseph's Hospital?
Yes. Saint John Transit Bus #21 and Bus #23 both serve St. Joseph's Hospital, running roughly hourly during daytime hours. However, bus service ends in the late afternoon and does not cover the Urgent Care Centre's evening hours, so plan alternate transportation if visiting after approximately 6:00 PM.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on New Brunswick health data. Actual wait times may vary.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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