Patients in the Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth regions may also find emergency services at other hospitals in nearby communities such as Hamilton or Oakville, depending on their location and the nature of their condition.
Joseph Brant Hospital's Emergency Department in Burlington, Ontario provides 24/7 emergency care for patients of all ages at 1230 North Shore Blvd E, along the shores of Lake Ontario. As an Academic Community Teaching Hospital affiliated with McMaster University, the ER offers access to a broad range of on-site specialists including cardiologists, general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and infectious disease specialists. The department also houses Nina's Place Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre and dedicated Psychiatric Emergency Services, making it a comprehensive emergency care destination for residents of Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough, and surrounding Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth communities.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (all ages)Psychiatric Emergency ServicesNina's Place — Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care CentreCardiology consultationGeneral surgeryOrthopedic surgeryInfectious disease specialistENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)Internal medicine (Internist)Oncology consultationEmergency Medical Services (EMS) intakeDiagnostic Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy)Laboratory & bloodworkMaternal & pediatric emergency care (up to age 18)Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)Trauma and acute care
Amenities
Cafeteria (Pasquale & Anita Paletta Grand Hall)
La Prep restaurant
Tim Hortons (Level 1, North Tower — Mon–Fri 6:30am–7:30pm; Sat–Sun 8:30am–7:30pm)
Gift Shop (Level 1, South Tower — Mon–Fri 9:00am–7:30pm; Sat–Sun 10:00am–2:00pm)
Pay telephones throughout hospital
Free inpatient telephone service
Free inpatient television service
Public television screens throughout hospital
EV charging stations (ChargePoint)
Volunteer wayfinding assistance
Accessibility transport chairs (Staxis)
Parking & Transit
Joseph Brant Hospital has an on-site multi-level parking garage connected to the hospital via a pedestrian bridge at the second floor. Parking rates are $3.50 per half hour, up to 2.5 hours. Pay at a kiosk before leaving. Daily permits can be purchased at pay stations near hospital entrances and in the Joyce Family Atrium. The H-PASS reduced-rate multi-day parking pass is available for frequent visitors, valid for one year and transferable between patients and visitors. A 30-Day consecutive-day pass is available for $55.55. Oversized vehicles (over 2.7m height) must use Lot 12 behind the garage. EV charging stations powered by ChargePoint are available near major entrances and on Level 1 of the garage. Staxis transport chairs are available at the ED entrance, Main Entrance, Ambulatory Care Entrance, and Parking Garage Pedestrian Bridge for those needing mobility assistance.
Joseph Brant Hospital is served by Burlington Transit routes 4, 10, and 11, with a dedicated 'Joseph Brant Hospital' bus stop approximately a 1-minute walk from the main entrance. Burlington Transit Route 10 connects Burlington GO Station to the hospital in approximately 13 minutes. The hospital area is also accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) routes for passengers coming from the Hamilton area.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, community hospital ERs in Ontario tend to be less busy during mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday). If your condition is non-life-threatening, visiting during these lower-traffic windows may result in shorter waits.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. As a general pattern, emergency departments across Ontario typically see higher volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and weekend afternoons, as well as during cold and flu season. Evenings after 6 p.m. and Sunday nights can also be busier at community hospitals serving populations like Burlington.
Tips Before You Go
Patients are triaged by severity of condition, not arrival order — if you have a less urgent concern, expect to wait while critical cases are prioritized.
Bring your Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) or proof of medical coverage to ensure your visit is covered without out-of-pocket costs.
The Emergency Department is on the Main Level of the South Tower — follow hospital signage from the parking garage pedestrian bridge to navigate efficiently.
If you are a frequent visitor or accompanying a family member through an extended stay, consider purchasing an H-PASS from the parking kiosk to save on parking costs.
Burlington Transit Route 10 from Burlington GO Station is a quick and affordable way to reach the hospital if you are unable to drive or park.
Service animals and guide dogs are permitted in the hospital, but personal pets are not allowed — plan accordingly if travelling with animals.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Card (OHIP) or provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
OHIP-covered items are billed directly; bring a credit or debit card for parking, food, or non-covered items
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Comfortable clothing and a light jacket (ERs can be cool)
Snacks and water for accompanying family members or for less urgent waits
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Emergency Department located within Joseph Brant Hospital?
The Emergency Department is located on the Main Level of the South Tower at 1230 North Shore Blvd E, Burlington. If arriving from the parking garage, use the pedestrian bridge to the second floor and follow internal signage down to the Main Level.
Does Joseph Brant Hospital's ER treat children and infants?
Yes. The Emergency Department at Joseph Brant Hospital provides care for patients of all ages, including infants and children up to 18 years old. The hospital also has a dedicated Paediatric Unit and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for more specialized pediatric needs.
Is there support for mental health emergencies at Joseph Brant Hospital?
Yes. Joseph Brant Hospital has dedicated Psychiatric Emergency Services within the Emergency Department, offering specialized care and follow-up support for patients experiencing intense emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
Does Joseph Brant Hospital's ER offer support for sexual assault or domestic violence?
Yes. Nina's Place — Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre is available through the Emergency Department at Joseph Brant Hospital and provides confidential, specialized care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.
What specialists are available at the Joseph Brant Hospital Emergency Department?
The ER has access to a wide range of specialists including cardiologists, general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, ENT specialists, internists, infectious disease specialists, oncologists, and family physicians, making it one of the more comprehensively staffed community hospital ERs in the Halton region.
Is Joseph Brant Hospital a teaching hospital, and does that affect my ER care?
Yes, Joseph Brant Hospital is an Academic Community Teaching Hospital affiliated with McMaster University. This means medical learners such as residents and students may be involved in your care under the supervision of qualified physicians, which reflects a high standard of clinical practice.
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.