Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at community hospital ERs. If your concern is non-urgent, consider calling your family doctor or using the Virtual ED option first.
Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and Monday mornings typically see higher patient volumes. Avoid visiting the ER for minor concerns during these peak periods when possible — the Virtual ED may be an appropriate alternative.
Groves Memorial Community Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department at its modern 152,000 sq ft facility at 131 Frederick Campbell St in Fergus, Ontario, serving Centre Wellington and the surrounding rural communities. The ER provides physician-led assessment and treatment for life-threatening injuries and severe illness, supported by on-site CT scanning, advanced diagnostic imaging, and a Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse program for senior patients. As a community hospital, patients requiring major trauma intervention, cardiac procedures, or neurosurgery may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre such as Guelph General Hospital.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Obstetrical and labour & delivery care (24/7), CT scanning and diagnostic imaging, Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse program, On-site laboratory services, Day surgery and surgical services, Oncology unit, Complex continuing care, Ambulatory care clinics, Physiotherapy, Spiritual care services, Virtual Emergency Department (for select non-urgent concerns).
Amenities
Modern 152,000 sq ft facility opened August 2020
Bright, healing environment backing onto the Elora Cataract Trailway
Spiritual care services on-site
Volunteer support through the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA)
Enhanced isolation facilities for infection control
Call 519-843-2010 to confirm cafeteria hours, ATM, Wi-Fi, and retail pharmacy availability
Use the Virtual Emergency Department option for minor concerns if you cannot reach your primary care provider — this can save you a trip to the physical ER for lower-acuity issues.
If you or a loved one is a senior, know that a dedicated Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse is available in the ED to assess frail or at-risk older patients and connect them with appropriate services.
The ER doubled in size with the 2020 facility opening, but as a rural community hospital, arrival times during evenings and weekends may still be longer — consider calling ahead for non-urgent guidance.
Bring a complete and current list of all medications, including dosages, as this significantly speeds up triage and physician assessment.
Patients with suspected major trauma, stroke symptoms, or cardiac emergencies may be stabilized and transferred to Guelph General Hospital or another regional centre — paramedics can advise on the best destination when calling 911.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
List of known allergies
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
A trusted support person or family member if possible
Snacks and water for potential wait times
A phone charger or portable battery pack
Parking
Groves Memorial has a large free parking lot accommodating up to 320 vehicles, located on-site at 131 Frederick Campbell St. Parking is free of charge. Contact the hospital at 519-843-2010 to confirm designated accessible parking locations.
Getting There
Groves Memorial is a rural community hospital and no dedicated public transit routes to the facility have been confirmed. Patients without a vehicle are encouraged to contact Wellington County or Centre Wellington community transportation services, or arrange private transport. The hospital is located behind the Wellington County Museum and kitty-corner to Wellington Terrace Long-term Care Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Groves Memorial Community Hospital's emergency department located?
The emergency department is located at the current hospital building at 131 Frederick Campbell St, Fergus, ON N1M 0H3 — a new facility that opened in August 2020. Note that the old hospital address (235 Union St E) is no longer in operation. You can reach the hospital by phone at 519-843-2010.
Does Groves Memorial Hospital have a CT scanner in the emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at Groves Memorial is supported by advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities including an on-site CT scanner, along with laboratory services to assist with rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Is there a geriatric or senior-focused service in the Groves Memorial ER?
Yes. Groves Memorial has a Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse program. A GEM nurse specializing in senior acute care works alongside the emergency department team to assess frail or at-risk older patients and help connect them with appropriate follow-up services and community supports.
Does Groves Memorial offer virtual emergency department visits?
A Virtual ED option may be available for patients who are unable to access a primary care provider and whose concerns are not immediately life-threatening. Virtual ED visits are not appropriate for chest pain, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, stroke symptoms, labour, or new neurological symptoms — call 911 or come to the ER immediately for those situations.
Is parking free at Groves Memorial Community Hospital?
Yes, parking is completely free at Groves Memorial. The on-site lot accommodates up to 320 vehicles. Contact the hospital at 519-843-2010 for information on accessible parking spaces.
What communities does Groves Memorial Community Hospital serve?
Groves Memorial is the primary acute care hospital for Centre Wellington and the surrounding rural communities in Wellington County. It is part of the Wellington Health Care Alliance (WHCA), a rural network that also includes Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and Palmerston and District Hospital.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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