Qeii - Halifax Infirmary Site

Best Times to Visit

About QEII Halifax Infirmary

The QEII Halifax Infirmary Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia is home to the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, a major adult emergency and trauma facility serving the Halifax Regional Municipality and beyond. As part of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre — the largest and most comprehensive hospital in Atlantic Canada — this site offers specialized care including general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, vascular surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Adults requiring emergency care in Halifax should come here; pediatric patients are directed to the nearby IWK Health Centre.

Services & Specialties

Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, General surgery, Cardiovascular surgery, Vascular surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Cardiology investigation and outpatient clinics, Cardiovascular disease clinic (pre- and post-surgical consult), Blood collection, Inpatient services, Outpatient clinics.

Amenities

• Savory Cafeteria/Restaurant — open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Pharmacy/Drugstore — 4th floor, Halifax Infirmary Building, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Free Wi-Fi available at the on-site health sciences library
• Health sciences library — 2nd floor, room 2201, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Sacred space/chapel — open 24 hours, inter-denominational Sunday worship at 9:45 a.m.
• Wheelchairs (Staxis) available on every floor of the parkade and in the Summer Street lobby
• Security services on-site (HI security office: room 1237, 902-473-4894)
• Taxi access via Yellow Cab (902-420-0000) or hospital taxi phones
• Bike parking at all entrances
• Volunteer wayfinding assistance at the Summer Street main entrance

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 3 walk-in clinics in Halifax →

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

Tips Before You Go

• Validation tickets for free parking are distributed by security staff at the emergency department entrance — ask when you arrive so you don't get charged when leaving.
• If the ED surface lot is full, a free curbside parking service is available in partnership with Indigo — look for staff assistance near the emergency entrance.
• The QEII treats adult patients only; if you are bringing a child, proceed to the IWK Health Centre instead.
• For non-emergency travel between the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites, take the free QEII shuttle, which departs from the Summer Street entrance every 20 minutes on weekdays.
• Volunteers at the Summer Street main entrance can help with directions — don't hesitate to ask, as the hospital is large and multi-floor wayfinding can be complex.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (Nova Scotia MSI card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical history documents or referral letters
• Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
• Comfortable clothing and a light layer (waiting areas can be cool)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for longer waits
• Snacks and water for accompanying family members during extended visits

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Nova Scotia health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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