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Hamilton General Hospital's Emergency Department, located at 237 Barton Street East in Hamilton, Ontario, is a Level 1 Trauma Centre and one of Canada's most specialized acute care facilities, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no registration required for walk-in patients. As part of Hamilton Health Sciences, the ER serves a vast regional catchment area stretching from Burlington to Brantford and Niagara Falls to Guelph, with on-site capabilities in cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, stroke, and severe burn treatment. Patients with life-threatening emergencies, complex trauma, major cardiac events, or serious neurological conditions are particularly well served here given its tertiary care designation and deep specialist resources.
Services & Specialties
Level 1 Trauma Centre (adult), 24/7 Emergency Department, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit, Cardiac Surgical Unit, Cardiac and Vascular ICU, Heart Function Clinic, Heart Investigation Unit, Acute Stroke Unit (Centre of Distinction), Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery (over 1,700 procedures annually), Neurosurgery Inpatient Unit, Regional Burn Centre (south central and central west Ontario), Burn Trauma Unit, Hyperbaric Medicine Program, Intensive Care Units, Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopy, General Surgery, Movement Disorders Clinic, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, Regional Rehabilitation Centre (91 inpatient beds), Rooftop Helipad for air transport.
Amenities
Hamilton General Drugstore (public pharmacy) — offers prescriptions, common ailment treatment, free flu vaccines, and a Smoking Cessation Program
David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute on campus
Rooftop helipad (TC LID: CPK3) for air ambulance arrivals
EV charging stations in Victoria Street Garage (Level E)
Walk Safe security escort program to accompany patients and visitors to their vehicles (call 905-521-2100)
Accessible parking in Victoria Ave. N. garage and Wellington St. lot
Hamilton General is a high-acuity Level 1 Trauma Centre — if your condition is serious (chest pain, stroke symptoms, major injury, severe burns), this is the right place to come in the Hamilton region.
Walk-in patients do not need to pre-register; simply arrive at the Emergency Department at 237 Barton Street East and you will be triaged by clinical priority.
If you arrive by car, head to the Victoria Street parking garage (enter off Victoria Ave. N.) or the Wellington Street lot (enter off Wellington St. N. or Barton St. E.) — both are close to the ER entrance.
Take HSR Route 2 – Barton to the Victoria at Barton stop for direct access to the hospital without needing to find parking.
The on-site Hamilton General Drugstore is open to the public and can handle minor ailments and prescriptions, which may be a faster option than the ER for non-urgent conditions.
If you need to walk to your vehicle after dark or feel unsafe, request a Walk Safe security escort by calling 905-521-2100 — this service is available through HHS Security Services.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Ontario driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of all current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or referral letters
Emergency contact name and phone number
Method of payment for parking (pay stations accept card and cash)
Comfortable clothing and any personal comfort items, as wait times may be lengthy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamilton General Hospital's Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes. The Emergency Department at 237 Barton Street East is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all statutory holidays. No appointment or referral is required — walk-in patients are welcome and triaged immediately upon arrival.
What makes Hamilton General Hospital different from other Hamilton-area ERs?
Hamilton General is the only Level 1 Trauma Centre for adults in the Hamilton region, and one of Canada's largest cardiac surgical and neurosurgical centres. It also houses the only Regional Burn Centre for south central and central west Ontario, an accredited Centre of Distinction for Stroke Services, and a rooftop helipad for air ambulance arrivals — making it the region's primary destination for life-threatening and complex emergencies.
Does Hamilton General Hospital's ER treat burn injuries?
Yes. Hamilton General is home to the Regional Burn Centre, which treats severe burn injuries for patients across south central and central west Ontario. It is one of only two such dedicated burn centres in the entire province.
Can I get help at Hamilton General if I have experienced sexual assault?
Yes. The Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program provides specialized emergency care within the hospital and offers confidential follow-up support. You can present directly to the Emergency Department and request this program.
How do I get to Hamilton General Hospital by public transit?
Take HSR Route 2 – Barton to the Victoria at Barton stop, which is steps from the hospital. Routes 12 and 04 also serve nearby stops. GO Transit passengers can connect to the HSR at Hamilton GO Centre, which is served by the Lakeshore West GO Train line.
Is there parking available at Hamilton General Hospital, and how much does it cost?
Yes. The Victoria Street parking garage (enter off Victoria Ave. N.) and the Wellington Street lot (enter off Wellington St. N. or Barton St. E.) both serve the hospital. Parking costs $4.25 per 30 minutes, with a daily maximum of $23.00. EV charging is available on Level E of the Victoria Street Garage, and accessible parking spaces are offered in both facilities.