Brockville General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: For non-life-threatening conditions where timing is flexible, early morning hours on weekdays tend to be quieter. The ED is open 24/7 and always staffed to handle urgent cases at any hour.

Busier times: The Brockville General ED is generally busiest between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and experiences higher volumes from Saturday through Monday when family doctor offices are closed. If your situation is not an emergency, consider contacting your primary care provider first on weekdays.

About Brockville General Hospital

Brockville General Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department at its main Charles Street campus, serving residents of Brockville and the broader Leeds and Grenville region along the St. Lawrence River. The ED is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health professionals equipped to assess and treat life-threatening injuries and serious illness. Backed by a fully consolidated acute care campus — including CT, MRI, diagnostic imaging, surgical services, and specialty clinics — BGH provides a comprehensive level of care for emergencies in eastern Ontario.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, CT scan and MRI, Diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, echocardiogram, ECG, stress testing), Surgical services including hip and knee replacement and cataract surgery, Cardiac rehabilitation, Cancer care, Mental health programs, Palliative care, Restorative and complex continuing care, Rehabilitation services, Specialty clinics (referral required).

Amenities

• Hospital cafeteria open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Eleanor's Café (run by BGVA volunteers): Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Vending machines at the ED entrance, central registration area, and cafeteria
• Smoke-free facility — no smoking anywhere on hospital property

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• The ED entrance is off Ormond Street — not the main Charles Street entrance. Follow signs for Emergency when approaching from Ormond Street.
• The ED is busiest between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and tends to see higher volumes on weekends when family physician offices are closed. If your condition allows flexibility, consider weekday early mornings.
• Patients are seen based on medical urgency, not arrival order. Bring something to read or listen to in case of a wait, especially during peak hours.
• Parking is free for the first 20 minutes — if your visit is brief (e.g., dropping someone off), you may not need to pay. Pay stations are inside both the main and emergency entrances.
• Brockville Transit's Green and Red Bus routes both stop at the hospital, making it accessible without a car. Check the evening bus schedule if travelling after 6 p.m. on weekdays.

What to Bring

• Valid Ontario health card (or applicable out-of-province/out-of-country medical insurance)
• A complete list of all current medications, including dosages
• Any non-prescription medications or herbal supplements you take regularly
• Photo ID
• Provincial drug benefit card or private insurance card if applicable
• A support person or family member if possible — BGH encourages family involvement in care
• Comfortable clothing appropriate for a potentially long wait
• Snacks and water, as cafeteria hours may not align with your visit

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.