Patients in the broader southwestern Ontario region may also have access to other hospital emergency departments in nearby communities depending on their location and the nature of their condition.
The Emergency Department at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) in Chatham, Ontario operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing urgent and emergency care to residents of Chatham-Kent, South Lambton, and Walpole Island — a community of over 102,000 people. As a 300-bed community hospital, CKHA's ER is staffed by physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary health professionals equipped to assess and treat life-threatening injuries and severe illness. The facility also houses a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, offering specialized emergency care and confidential follow-up services.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency DepartmentSexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment CentreEmergency and Ambulatory CareMedicine and Critical CareDiagnostic ImagingMental Health and AddictionsSurgical ProgramWomen and Children's HealthRehabilitation and Complex Continuing CareDiabetes Education CentreDialysisDysphagia ClinicChronic Disease ManagementSeniors' HealthLanguage Interpretation Services
Amenities
Tim Hortons (1R, Zone B) — open daily 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Subway (Basement, Zone B) — open Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m., weekends 9:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Elston Pharmacy (1R, Zone B) — open Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed weekends and holidays
ATM in the Main Lobby
Vending machines available 24 hours a day
Riverside Courtyard outdoor visiting area adjacent to the Emergency Department
Wheelchair accessible facility
Language interpretation services available upon request
100% smoke-free campus
Parking & Transit
CKHA offers several designated patient and visitor parking lots at the Chatham campus. Lot D is the closest lot to the Emergency Department. Lot A serves Ambulatory Care, and Lot C is nearest to the main lobby. Accessible parking spots are available in visitor lots. Hourly rates are $3.50 for the first hour, $2.50 for the second hour, and $1.50 for each additional hour, to a daily maximum of $7.50 for 12 hours. Frequent visitors can purchase a multi-day H PASS at the parking office adjacent to the visitor lot. Metered street parking is also available on and around the hospital property.
Multiple CK Transit (Ride CK) bus routes serve Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, including Routes C, D, 1, 2, 4, and 5, with Routes 1–4 running every 30 minutes Monday through Saturday. All routes connect at the Downtown Transfer Terminal at 100 Wellington Street West in Chatham. A dedicated CK Transit stop is located at the hospital. Specialized Transit (curb-to-curb accessible shared rides) is available for those unable to use conventional transit due to a disability. CareLink, a non-urgent medical transportation service operated by Family Service Kent, is also available for residents needing help accessing health services in the community.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Without specific historical wait data, general guidance applies: weekday mornings (between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.) tend to be among the quieter periods at community hospital ERs. Mid-morning visits on Tuesdays through Thursdays often see shorter waits than weekends.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments across Ontario, including community hospitals like CKHA, are typically busiest on Monday mornings (as patients who delayed care over the weekend arrive), weekend afternoons and evenings, and during cold and flu season in winter months. If your condition is non-urgent, avoiding these peak windows may reduce your wait time.
Tips Before You Go
Park in Lot D (nearest to the Emergency Department entrance) to minimize walking time when arriving for emergency care.
If you visit CKHA frequently, consider purchasing a multi-day H PASS parking pass at the parking office near the visitor lot to save on parking costs.
Language interpretation services are available upon request — let registration staff know your preferred language as soon as you arrive.
For non-emergency medical transportation, contact CareLink (operated by Family Service Kent) in advance to arrange a ride to your appointment.
Check real-time ER wait times before leaving home so you can plan your arrival and reduce time spent waiting on-site.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Personal items for comfort (phone charger, change of clothes, snacks for companions)
Insurance information if applicable (e.g., private health coverage)
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CKHA's Emergency Department in Chatham have a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre?
Yes. CKHA's Chatham campus includes a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre that provides specialized emergency care and confidential follow-up services for survivors. You can access this service through the Emergency Department.
Which parking lot should I use when going to the CKHA Emergency Department?
Lot D is the designated patient parking lot closest to the Emergency Department at the Chatham campus, located at 80 Grand Ave W. Accessible parking is also available in visitor lots on site.
Is the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Emergency Department open on holidays?
Yes, the CKHA Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all statutory holidays. Most other hospital services require appointments and may have reduced hours on holidays.
Does CKHA offer mental health services through the Emergency Department?
CKHA provides Mental Health and Addictions services as part of its broader hospital programs. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the Emergency Department can assess and connect you to appropriate care. For non-emergency mental health support, a referral may be required to access outpatient programs.
Can I take public transit to the CKHA Emergency Department in Chatham?
Yes. Multiple CK Transit (Ride CK) routes, including Routes C, D, 1, 2, 4, and 5, serve the hospital with a dedicated stop on site. Specialized accessible transit is also available for those with disabilities. For non-urgent medical trips, CareLink (operated by Family Service Kent) provides transportation assistance in Chatham-Kent.
Is there a pharmacy at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance hospital?
Yes. Elston Pharmacy is located at 1R, Zone B on the Chatham campus and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and holidays. Vending machines are available 24/7 for basic needs outside pharmacy hours.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.