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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
Tim Hortons (on-site)
Healthy Choices Café
Cafeteria
Vending machines (near cafeteria and main corridor)
HSC is the busiest ER in Newfoundland — if your condition is non-urgent, consider calling 811 (HealthLine NL) first to determine whether an ER visit is necessary.
Walk-in X-Ray is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — if you only need imaging, plan accordingly.
Parking can be challenging at peak times. Arrive with extra time to find a space, or use Metro Bus routes 10, 15, 16, or 23 to avoid the hassle.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Emergency Department has 24/7 psychiatric nursing coverage and on-call psychiatrist access — go directly to the ED.
The HSC campus is physically connected to the Janeway Children's Hospital and Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre — confirm which entrance is correct for your specific visit before arriving.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Provincial health card (NL MCP card)
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Provincial health coverage information or private insurance card
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks, water, and a light blanket for comfort during extended waits
A book, headphones, or something to occupy your time
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.