Health Sciences Centre - General Hospital

PREDICTED High confidence
54m – 10h 21m
Most likely 3h 19m
Typically 2h 9m – 3h 44m at this hospital

This hospital doesn't report live data.

Estimate based on similar hospitals. Actual conditions may differ substantially. Call hospital to confirm.

Newfoundland & Labrador doesn't publish live data for this ER

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Open 24/7

Non-emergency options

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Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: If your situation allows flexibility, mid-morning on weekdays (after 9:00 a.m.) or early afternoon tends to be less congested than evenings and weekends at most busy urban ERs. However, always seek care immediately for emergencies regardless of time.

Busier times: As the busiest emergency department in Newfoundland and Labrador, HSC tends to see peak volumes on weekend evenings and late nights, as well as weekday afternoons when walk-in clinics close. If your condition is not life-threatening, checking the current wait time before heading in can help you plan.

Nearby Alternatives

St. Clare's Mercy Hospital

St Johns · 2 km away

Waterford Hospital

St Johns · 5 km away

Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre

Bell Island · 17 km away

Carbonear General Hospital

Carbonear · 40 km away

Dr. a. a. Wilkinson Memorial Health Centre

Old Perlican · 59 km away

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About Health Sciences Centre - General Hospital

Health Sciences Centre – General Hospital in St. John's, Newfoundland is the busiest and most comprehensive emergency department in the province, serving patients from across all of Newfoundland and Labrador. As a major academic teaching hospital affiliated with Memorial University, it offers a full spectrum of specialty services including trauma care, psychiatric emergency assessment, oncology, cardiovascular care, and more. Patients requiring high-acuity care, specialist consultation, or complex diagnostic workups are best served at this facility.

Services & Specialties

Emergency Department (24/7), High Acuity & Trauma Unit, Psychiatric Emergency Assessment Unit, Care Initiation Area, Diagnostic Imaging (including walk-in X-Ray), Cardiovascular & Stroke Care, Critical Care / ICU, Cancer Care (Oncology), Neurology, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Labour & Delivery / Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hyperbaric Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology & Diabetes Care, Gastroenterology, Fertility Services, Genetic Counselling, Dermatology, Audiology, Allergy & Immunology, Occupational Health, Laboratory Services, Blood Collection, Anesthesiology, Clinical Trials, Children's Health (connected to Janeway Children's Hospital).

Amenities

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in Newfoundland & Labrador can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Health Sciences Centre ER open 24/7?
Yes, the Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre – General Hospital in St. John's is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
Does HSC have psychiatric or mental health emergency services?
Yes. The HSC Emergency Department includes a Psychiatric Assessment Unit and is staffed around the clock by a registered nurse with mental health experience. A psychiatrist and psychiatric staff are also available on-call 24/7 through the Waterford site. Patients experiencing a mental health crisis can go directly to the ED.
Is this the right hospital for a child's emergency in St. John's?
The Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre is physically connected to the HSC campus and is the designated children's hospital for Newfoundland and Labrador. It shares services with HSC. For pediatric emergencies, proceed to the Janeway Children's Hospital entrance on the same campus.
What parking options are available at HSC General Hospital?
Pay-per-use parking is available in the main lot with wheelchair-accessible metered spaces. A parking attendant is present from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and the gate is raised overnight. Pay stations are located at several points including outside the Adult ED entrance. For parking help, call 709-777-7166.
What bus routes serve Health Sciences Centre in St. John's?
Metro Bus Routes 10, 15, 16, and 23 all stop near HSC. The closest stops — 'Clinch Crescent Opposite Faculty of Med' and 'Clinch Crescent West Side of Health Science Centre' — are about a 3-minute walk from the hospital. Accessible options include GoBus (709-570-2131) and Wheel Way (1-709-753-2877).
Does Health Sciences Centre have food and other amenities for visitors?
Yes. HSC has a Tim Hortons, a Healthy Choices Café, and a full cafeteria on-site, along with vending machines, an ATM, a gift shop (cash only), and an on-site pharmacy. Pay-per-use patient TV is also available for admitted patients.

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About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Newfoundland & Labrador health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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