Alexandra Marine and General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. In general, community hospital emergency departments tend to be less congested during early morning weekday hours (before 10 AM). If your condition is urgent but not life-threatening, mid-week mornings are typically a safer bet for shorter waits.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for AMGH specifically. As with most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays tend to see higher volumes. Avoid visiting the ER for non-emergency concerns during these peak periods if possible — consider contacting your family physician or a telehealth line instead.

About Alexandra Marine and General Hospital

Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) in Goderich, Ontario operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by a physician around the clock, serving residents of Goderich and the broader Huron County region. As the largest healthcare organization in Huron County and a 42-bed acute care facility, AMGH provides emergency care for life-threatening injuries and severe illness, along with inpatient medical, surgical, obstetrical, and psychiatric services. It is the only hospital in Huron County offering inpatient adult psychiatric care and addiction withdrawal beds, making it a critical hub for the region's most vulnerable patients.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with physician on duty, General surgery (on-call coverage), Internal medicine (on-call coverage), Obstetrics and labour and delivery (on-call coverage), Anaesthesia (on-call coverage), Diagnostic imaging (on-call coverage), Inpatient adult psychiatry — only facility in Huron County, Addiction withdrawal beds, Inpatient and day surgery, Medical inpatient care, Diabetes Education Centre (Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse), Ontario Breast Screening Program, Swallowing assessment and treatment (inpatient and outpatient), Outpatient eating disorders program, Ambulatory care services, Ontario Health atHome case managers on site, Therapy services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (basement level) — open Monday to Friday, 9:00–10:30 AM and 11:30 AM–1:15 PM
• Vending machines in the cafeteria during daytime hours
• Beverage machine in the outpatient waiting area adjacent to the ER
• Change machine in the outpatient waiting area adjacent to the ER
• Free on-site WiFi
• Wheelchair accessible throughout

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• AMGH is the only hospital in Huron County with inpatient adult psychiatric services — if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis in the region, this is the appropriate facility to attend.
• The ER requires no referral — walk in directly at 120 Napier Street. Bring your OHIP card as emergency services may be covered under Ontario's health insurance plan.
• A beverage machine is located in the outpatient waiting area next to the ER — useful if you are accompanying a patient and expect a wait.
• AMGH is a community hospital; complex cases requiring subspecialty care (e.g., neurosurgery, interventional cardiology) may require transfer to a larger regional centre. Do not delay calling 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• If visiting during weekday daytime hours, the basement cafeteria is available for a sit-down meal — a helpful option for family members during a longer stay.

What to Bring

• OHIP card or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Health care power of attorney or substitute decision-maker contact information if applicable
• Personal comfort items for waiting (book, phone charger, snack)
• Payment method for any non-OHIP-covered items or parking fees

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 Ontario health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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