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.
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
Parking
Emergency parking available at the Summer Street entrance. Paid parking in adjacent parkades at $4/hour or $18/day maximum.
Getting There
Multiple Halifax Transit bus routes stop near the Halifax Infirmary, including routes 1, 7A, 9A, 9B, 90, 123, 182, and 185. The nearest stop is Summer St After Veterans Memorial Ln (stop 2304), approximately a 3-minute walk from the Summer Street entrance. A free QEII shuttle also runs between the Halifax Infirmary and the Victoria General site Monday to Friday every 20 minutes from 6:15 a.m. to 4:10 p.m., departing from the Summer Street entrance. Note: the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the QEII Halifax Infirmary treat children in the emergency department?
No. The QEII Halifax Infirmary emergency department serves adult patients only. Children and pediatric patients in the Halifax region should go to the IWK Health Centre, which is specifically equipped for pediatric emergency care.
Is parking free at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department?
Yes, parking is free for patients and visitors. Park at the Summer Street parkade (1797 Summer St) and ask security staff at the emergency department for a validation ticket to exit without charge. A free curbside parking service is also available when the ED surface lot is full.
What is the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre?
The Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre is the name of the emergency department at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. It opened in 2009 as part of a $20.4-million expansion and serves as the primary adult emergency and trauma facility for the Halifax region.
How do I get to the Halifax Infirmary by bus?
Several Halifax Transit routes stop near the Halifax Infirmary, including routes 1, 7A, 9A, 9B, 90, 123, 182, and 185. The closest stop is Summer St After Veterans Memorial Ln (stop 2304), a short 3-minute walk from the Summer Street entrance.
Is there a pharmacy at the Halifax Infirmary?
Yes, there is a drugstore located on the 4th floor of the Halifax Infirmary Building. It is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Is the QEII Halifax Infirmary a teaching hospital?
Yes. The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre is a multi-campus teaching and research organization affiliated with the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine. This affiliation means patients may interact with medical students, residents, and research staff as part of their care.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 42 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 59% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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