Health Sciences North - Ramsey Lake Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

About Health Sciences North

Health Sciences North – Ramsey Lake Health Centre is Sudbury's major academic teaching hospital and the regional tertiary care centre for Northeastern Ontario, serving a catchment area spanning over 400,000 km² and more than half a million people. The 24/7 Emergency Department sees approximately 61,540 patients per year and is supported by a full spectrum of specialized services including cardiac care, oncology, trauma, nephrology, and a 29-bed ICU. Patients requiring advanced medical or surgical care, mental health crisis support, or specialized pediatric services should come to this facility.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Critical Care / ICU (29 critical care beds + 12 step-down beds), Trauma Care, Cardiac Care and Cardiology Unit, Cardiac/Medical Step-Down Unit, Stroke Unit, Oncology and Medical Unit, Northeast Cancer Centre, Nephrology and Dialysis, Acute Inpatient Psychiatry, Mental Health Crisis Worker (24/7 in ED), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, NEO Kids and Family Program (Pediatrics), NEO Kids Outpatient Services, Pediatric Abuse Referral and Evaluation, Medical Imaging, Surgical Services, Palliative Care, Community Care and Rehabilitation, Supportive Care Program, Infant and Child Development Services.

Amenities

• Rock Garden Café (cafeteria, Level 2) — beverages, sandwiches, hot meals, baked goods
• Two Tim Hortons locations — near main entrance and near Northeast Cancer Centre
• Pharmacy on Level 0 (Regional Cancer Program) and Level 3 (North Tower)
• Gift shop in main lobby — Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Chapel on Level 1, North Tower
• Free public WiFi in cafeteria, main entrance, Cancer Centre entrance, Pediatric Chemotherapy Suites, and Daffodil Lodge entrance
• Vending machines (pop, juice, snacks) throughout the facility
• Fully enclosed bicycle lockers at main entrance, South Tower entrance, and Cancer Centre rooftop

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 7 walk-in clinics in Sudbury →

Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• A crisis worker is available in the Emergency Department 24 hours a day — register with the triage nurse and ask to see a crisis worker if you are experiencing a mental health emergency.
• Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — you will be seen based on medical urgency, not order of arrival, so expect wait times to vary.
• The main entrance is locked between 11:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. — during these hours, access the hospital through the Emergency Department entrance.
• The P3 parking lot is the closest to the Emergency Department and is available on a pay-as-you-go basis at $1/hour.
• HSN is a scent-free facility — please avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or other scented products when visiting, as they can cause respiratory distress for patients and staff.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or test results
• Personal comfort items for potential wait (phone charger, water bottle, snacks)
• Payment method for parking

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.