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The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Emergency Department at 555 University Avenue in Toronto, Ontario is Canada's leading pediatric emergency and trauma centre, serving children and youth under 18 years of age around the clock. As Ontario's accredited lead Level 1 paediatric trauma hospital and the tertiary referral centre for the Greater Toronto Area, SickKids handles everything from common childhood illnesses to the most complex, life-threatening injuries and conditions. Consistently ranked among the world's top pediatric hospitals, SickKids is the right destination for any child or youth requiring urgent or emergency-level medical care in Toronto.
Services & Specialties
Paediatric emergency care for children and youth under 18, Level 1 paediatric trauma centre — accredited lead trauma hospital for Ontario, Tertiary-care referral centre for the Greater Toronto Area, Paediatric intensive care (PICU), Neonatal intensive care (NICU), Paediatric surgery including multi-organ transplantation, In-utero cardiac surgery capability, Bone marrow transplantation, Separation of conjoined twins (pioneered at SickKids), Speciality and subspecialty paediatric consultations, Trauma program with injury prevention and education mandate, Virtual Urgent Care for eligible GTA and surrounding region patients (non-emergency).
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi for patients, families, and guests throughout the hospital
24-hour vending machine in the Atrium serving hot and cold food
Water and ice machines near nursing stations
Food retailers on-site (hours vary — confirm with hospital)
RMHC Toronto Family Room (4th Floor Atrium) — open 24/7 for NICU, PICU, and select families
Marnie's Lounge — drop-in therapeutic activity space open seven days a week
Child Life Specialists offering toys, tablets, VR goggles, autism sensory cart, and DVD players
Therapeutic clown program for patients and families
Sacred Spaces: Meditation & Contemplation Room, Muslim Prayer Room, and Chapel — all open 24/7
Accessibility services compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
SickKids serves only children and youth under 18 — adults experiencing emergencies should go to a nearby adult hospital such as Toronto General or Toronto Western.
Triage is based on medical urgency, not arrival order. The sickest children are seen first, so wait times can vary significantly depending on your child's condition and the department's current volume.
Use the Elizabeth Street entrance or parking garage if arriving outside of weekday business hours — the University Avenue entrance is only open Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If your child's situation is non-emergency and you are in the GTA or surrounding region (including Dufferin, South Simcoe, Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton), consider SickKids Virtual Urgent Care before making the trip downtown.
SickKids is a teaching hospital — expect medical trainees (residents, medical students, nursing students) to be involved in your child's care under full supervision of the responsible clinician.
Pack snacks, entertainment, and comfort items for your child; waits can be long, especially if a specialist is required. Child Life staff can also provide tablets, games, and sensory supports during the wait.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card or other provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian
List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or specialist contacts
Health card or insurance information for children from outside Ontario
Comfort items for your child: favourite toy, blanket, or soother
Snacks and drinks for caregivers (food retailers have limited hours)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SickKids Emergency Department see adults?
No. SickKids exclusively serves children and youth under 18 years of age. Adults requiring emergency care should visit an adult emergency department such as Toronto General Hospital or Toronto Western Hospital, both of which are nearby.
Where is the SickKids Emergency Department entrance?
The Emergency Department is located on the Main Floor of the Atrium, near the 170 Elizabeth Street hospital doors and the Main Information Desk. The Elizabeth Street entrance and parking garage are accessible 24/7. The University Avenue entrance is only open for pick-ups and drop-offs Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Does SickKids offer Virtual Urgent Care for children?
Yes. SickKids Virtual Urgent Care is available for children and youth under 18 with a valid OHIP card who are not experiencing a medical emergency and who live in the Greater Toronto Area, Dufferin, South Simcoe, Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, or Haliburton. It is a good first option for non-emergency concerns to avoid an in-person ER visit.
What level of trauma care does SickKids provide?
SickKids is Ontario's accredited Level 1 lead paediatric trauma hospital, meaning it is equipped to handle the most severe and complex injuries in children and youth. The Trauma Program, established in 1989, provides leadership in trauma care, education, research, and injury prevention province-wide.
How does triage work at the SickKids ER?
When you arrive, a triage nurse will assess your child, ask for their health card, the reason for the visit, and screening questions. Children are treated based on the severity of their condition — the sickest patients are seen first, regardless of arrival order. If a specialist is needed, additional waiting time may be required.
Is parking available at SickKids, and how much does it cost?
Yes. Underground parking is accessible from Elm Street. Weekday daytime rates (Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–7 p.m.) are $6 per half hour with a $20 daily maximum. Evening and weekend/holiday rates drop to $3 per half hour with a $7 maximum. EV charging stations are available. Do not park in the Emergency driveway — vehicles will be towed.