Patients in the Kingston and southeastern Ontario region who require a full emergency department, trauma care, or major acute services can access KHSC's Emergency Department at the Kingston General Hospital site on King Street West.
About Hotel Dieu Hospital - Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph of the Hotel Dieu of Kingston
Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH), located at 166 Brock St in downtown Kingston, Ontario, is a Catholic ambulatory care, teaching, and research hospital operating as part of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), affiliated with Queen's University. The HDH site features an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require attention within 24 hours when a same-day family doctor or walk-in appointment is unavailable — no referral is required. Patients experiencing major trauma, serious illness, or life-threatening emergencies should proceed directly to the full Emergency Department at the Kingston General Hospital (KGH) site, located at 43 King Street West, which serves as the trauma centre for southeastern Ontario.
Services & Specialties
Urgent Care Centre (non-life-threatening illness and injury, no referral required)Pediatric Urgent Care ClinicSexual Assault and Domestic Violence (SADV) ProgramEmergency Eye Clinic (referral required for initial visit)Cardiology and Cardiac RehabilitationMental Health and Addiction CareDetoxification CentreEarly Psychosis Intervention ProgramOphthalmologyGeneral SurgeryNeurosurgery and Neurology (Stroke Prevention)Respirology (Sleep Apnea, COPD, Asthma)UrologyGastroenterologyInternal Medicine and EndocrinologyRheumatologyAllergy ClinicInherited Bleeding Disorder ClinicPre-Surgical ScreeningBariatric CareRenal ServicesDiagnostic ImagingDiabetes EducationKidsInclusive Centre for Child and Youth DevelopmentSleep LabPhlebotomy ClinicOncology (outpatient)
HDH is located in downtown Kingston, spanning a full city block between Brock and Johnson streets. The main entrance is at 166 Brock St, directly across from the Chown Memorial Parking Garage, where payment is accepted by cash (bills up to $20), debit, or credit card. Additional City of Kingston municipal parking lots are available nearby on Brock Street and Wellington Street. Note that Brock Street is a one-way street running east to west. Verify current rates directly with KHSC or the City of Kingston before your visit.
Hotel Dieu Hospital is in the heart of downtown Kingston, well served by City of Kingston Transit, with multiple bus routes passing through or near the hospital. The site is also accessible from Highway 401 via exits 615, 617, or 619. Bicycle racks are available around the site for those arriving by active transportation. A shuttle bus pickup point is also located on the hospital campus. Check the City of Kingston Transit website for current route and schedule information.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Urgent care and walk-in facilities typically see lower volumes in the early morning hours on weekdays. If your concern is non-urgent and can wait until mid-morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you may experience shorter wait times. No historical wait data is currently available for this specific site — check real-time wait information before heading in.
🔴 Busier times
Monday mornings and weekend afternoons and evenings are generally the busiest times at urgent care centres across Canada, as patients who delayed care over the weekend seek same-day attention. Evening hours after 5 p.m. on weekdays can also see increased volume as workday schedules free up. No site-specific historical data is currently available.
Tips Before You Go
The Urgent Care Centre at HDH is for non-life-threatening conditions only — if you are experiencing a medical emergency, major trauma, chest pain, stroke symptoms, or serious injury, go directly to the Emergency Department at Kingston General Hospital (43 King Street West).
The UCC entrance is located east of the main Brock Street entrance and has a dedicated drop-off driveway — look for signage when arriving by vehicle.
HDH covers an entire city block, so confirm your specific clinic or entrance before your visit using the KHSC online site map to avoid confusion.
No referral is required to visit the Urgent Care Centre, but the Emergency Eye Clinic on the ground floor does require a referral for an initial visit — call ahead if you have an eye concern.
Parking is available directly across the street at the Chown Memorial Parking Garage, which accepts cash, debit, and credit — having multiple payment options ready is advisable.
What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Provincial or private health insurance information if applicable
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Phone charger or portable battery — waits can vary
Snacks, water, and a book or entertainment for potential waiting periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hotel Dieu Hospital have a full emergency department?
No. HDH operates an Urgent Care Centre for non-life-threatening conditions. The full Emergency Department and trauma centre for southeastern Ontario is located at the Kingston General Hospital (KGH) site at 43 King Street West in Kingston. If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency, go to KGH or call 911.
Do I need a referral to visit the Urgent Care Centre at Hotel Dieu Hospital?
No referral is required to visit the Urgent Care Centre at HDH. It is appropriate for non-life-threatening illness or injury that needs attention within 24 hours when you cannot get a same-day appointment with your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.
Where is the Urgent Care Centre entrance at Hotel Dieu Hospital?
The Urgent Care Centre has its own dedicated entrance located to the east of the main Brock Street entrance. There is a driveway available for dropping patients at the door. The main hospital entrance is at 166 Brock St.
Is there a pediatric urgent care option at Hotel Dieu Hospital?
Yes. HDH has a Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic as part of its Children's Outpatient Centre, as well as the KidsInclusive Centre for Child and Youth Development on site. For pediatric emergencies, the full Emergency Department at Kingston General Hospital should be used.
Is Hotel Dieu Hospital affiliated with a university?
Yes. Hotel Dieu Hospital is part of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), which is fully affiliated with Queen's University. It is a teaching and research hospital, ranked among Canada's top research hospitals, and trains health care professionals from across the country.
How old is Hotel Dieu Hospital, and who runs it?
Hotel Dieu Hospital has roots dating back to 1845, making it one of Ontario's oldest hospitals. It was founded by the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph at the request of the Catholic Bishop of Kingston to care for Irish Catholic immigrants. Today it operates as a site of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), maintaining its Catholic identity while delivering modern ambulatory care, research, and teaching services.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.