Bluewater Health's Emergency Department at 89 Norman St in Sarnia, Ontario is a full-service, 24/7 emergency facility serving approximately 125,000 residents across the Sarnia-Lambton region. The current ED is three times the size of the former department and offers both emergency room care and psychiatric emergency services, making it the primary acute care destination for a wide range of medical emergencies in southwestern Ontario. With 326 beds, an Intensive Care Unit, and a broad spectrum of specialty programs on site, Bluewater Health provides comprehensive hospital-level care for everything from minor injuries to complex, life-threatening conditions.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Psychiatric Emergency Services, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cancer Care Assessment & Treatment Centre, Maternal Infant Child Program (labour, birthing, and pediatric services), Surgical Centre with 8 operating rooms and 4 procedure rooms, Dialysis Centre, Neurology, Rehabilitation Therapies, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, Complex Continuing Care, Diabetes & Clinical Nutrition Services, Laboratory Services, Infection Prevention & Control, Acute Mental Health Programs, Ambulatory Care.
Amenities
Tim Hortons (Level 1, Norman Building, near the Atrium)
Information Desk staffed by volunteers Monday–Sunday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm
Indigenous Navigation Services
Spiritual Care services
Interpretation services
Patient Experience Office
Tactile Braille room signage for visually impaired visitors
Colour-coded wayfinding system across three buildings (Norman/green, London/blue, Russell/orange)
Lobby telephone available when Information Desk is unstaffed (dial 0 for switchboard)
Use the Norman Street entrance specifically for Emergency Department visits — the main Maria Street entrance is for general visitors and outpatient services.
If you need parking for multiple days (e.g., supporting an admitted family member), ask for an HPASS multi-day pass at the Patient Accounts Office behind Tim Hortons on Level 1 to save money.
The hospital campus has three buildings colour-coded green (Norman), blue (London), and orange (Russell) — follow the colour-coded signs to avoid getting lost in the 600,000 sq ft facility.
Volunteers at the Information Desk in the front lobby can assist with navigation and general questions from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily — outside those hours, use the lobby phone and dial 0.
If you or a family member require language support or Indigenous Navigation Services, these are available on-site — ask staff or the Patient Experience Office when you arrive.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or specialist letters
Insurance information if applicable (e.g., extended health or travel insurance)
Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
Comfortable clothing and a light blanket or layers (ER areas can be cool)
Cash or card for parking and Tim Hortons on Level 1
Parking
Visitor parking is available in the main lot off Maria Street, the underground parking lot, and along Maria and Norman Streets. Emergency Department patients should use the Norman Street emergency entrance. Visitors and families should use the Maria Street main entrance. Discounted multi-day HPASS parking passes (5, 10, or 30 days) with in-and-out privileges are available from the Patient Accounts Office on Level 1 of the Norman Building, behind Tim Hortons. Veterans displaying a poppy license plate or identifying themselves to Security park free. Drop-off zones are available and limited to 20 minutes.
Getting There
Sarnia Transit provides bus service to Bluewater Health. Check the Sarnia Transit website or the hospital's website for current routes, fares, and schedules, as specific route numbers and stop details can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Emergency Department entrance at Bluewater Health?
Emergency Department patients should use the dedicated emergency entrance on Norman Street (89 Norman St, Sarnia). The main Maria Street entrance is intended for general visitors and outpatient appointments — using the correct entrance ensures faster triage access.
Does Bluewater Health's Emergency Department offer mental health or psychiatric emergency services?
Yes. The Emergency Department at Bluewater Health provides both standard emergency care and psychiatric emergency services on site. The hospital also has acute mental health programs available within the facility.
How large is Bluewater Health and what level of care can it provide?
Bluewater Health is a major regional hospital with 326 beds, 8 operating rooms, an Intensive Care Unit, a Cancer Care Centre, and a full spectrum of specialty programs. The facility spans approximately 600,000 square feet across three buildings and serves around 125,000 people in the Sarnia-Lambton area.
Is there parking available when visiting the Emergency Department at Bluewater Health?
Yes. Parking is available in the main lot off Maria Street, the underground lot, and along Maria and Norman Streets. If you're staying for multiple days, discounted HPASS parking passes (5, 10, or 30 days) are sold at the Patient Accounts Office on Level 1 of the Norman Building. Veterans may park free with proper identification.
What support services are available for patients and families at Bluewater Health?
Bluewater Health offers Indigenous Navigation Services, Spiritual Care, professional interpretation services, and a Patient Experience Office. Volunteers are also available at the Information Desk in the front lobby from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week, to assist with navigation and general questions.
Is Bluewater Health accredited, and what is the hospital's background?
Yes. Bluewater Health received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for 2015–2019, scoring 99.3%. The hospital was formed by the 2003 merger of Sarnia General Hospital and St. Joseph's Health Centre, with full consolidation at the Norman Street site in 2011 following a $319 million redevelopment. It is also the first acute care hospital in Ontario to achieve LEED certification (2012).
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.
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 41 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.