Guelph General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: Emergency departments are generally less busy during mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday). If your condition is urgent but not life-threatening, arriving during these windows may result in shorter wait times. Always call 911 or go immediately to the ED if you are experiencing a medical emergency regardless of the time.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Ontario — including Guelph General — tend to be busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout weekends when family doctors' offices are closed. Late evenings and statutory holidays also see higher volumes. If possible and safe to do so, avoid these peak periods for non-urgent concerns.

About Guelph General Hospital

Guelph General Hospital's Emergency Department at 115 Delhi St serves approximately 200,000 residents across Guelph and Wellington County with 24/7 acute emergency care. As a designated Level III Trauma Centre accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, GGH offers a high standard of care including specialized programs for geriatric patients, mental health emergencies, and complex medical conditions. Those experiencing a medical emergency, trauma, or urgent health crisis in the Guelph area should proceed directly to this facility.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Level III Trauma Centre, Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) program, Emergency mental health unit with community partner collaboration, Dementia Resource Consultant (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM), Registered Practical Nurse for care navigation and community referrals, Cardiac care, Orthopaedics, Surgery, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Paediatrics, Vascular Surgery (regional centre), Bariatric Centre of Excellence, Rehabilitation therapies, Advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory support, Dietetics and nutritional counselling, Family birthing unit.

Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hospital
• Cafeteria with meal options for patients, visitors, and staff
• Gift shop in the main lobby (open Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; proceeds support patient care equipment)
• Level 1 Information Desk for general inquiries and parking pass purchases

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• The Delhi Street entrance is for drop-off, pedestrians, and transit users only — drive to the rear lots off Delhi Street or the 73 Delhi Street entrance for parking.
• If you or a loved one is an older adult, ask about the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) program, which provides specialized emergency care and follow-up support tailored for seniors.
• A Dementia Resource Consultant is available in the ED on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM — if visiting with a patient living with dementia, arriving during these hours may help ease the experience.
• A Registered Practical Nurse in the ED can help you understand your care options and connect you with community resources after your visit — don't hesitate to ask.
• For non-emergency inquiries, contact the hospital at 519-822-5350 Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM rather than visiting the ED unnecessarily, to help keep wait times manageable for critical patients.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Name and contact information for your family doctor or specialist
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Comfort items such as a book, headphones, or snacks for accompanying family members

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.