Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 22+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, menstrual pain, acne. No appointment needed.
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 Department, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, Emergency and Ambulatory Care, Medicine and Critical Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Mental Health and Addictions, Surgical Program, Women and Children's Health, Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care, Diabetes Education Centre, Dialysis, Dysphagia Clinic, Chronic Disease Management, Seniors' Health, Language 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
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.