Patients in the Hamilton area with non-emergency conditions may also consider other Hamilton Health Sciences sites or community urgent care clinics, which may have shorter wait times for minor injuries and illnesses.
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, located on the Hamilton Mountain escarpment at 711 Concession Street, operates a 24/7 emergency department serving adults across Hamilton and a regional population of more than 2.3 million people. As a tertiary-level teaching hospital affiliated with McMaster University, it offers one of Ontario's largest Regional Cancer Programs alongside full emergency, surgical, medical, and intensive care services. Patients requiring specialized oncology care, complex hematology, orthopedic surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, or adult stem cell therapy will find Juravinski to be one of the most comprehensively equipped hospitals in the region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency DepartmentIntensive Care Unit (ICU)Surgical OncologyMedical Oncology and ChemotherapyRadiation Therapy (only program in the Hamilton region)Complex Malignant HematologyStem Cell and Cellular TherapyHepatobiliary Surgery (only centre in the Hamilton region)Orthopaedic Surgery including Joint Replacement and Fractured HipAcute Medicine UnitsDiagnostic ImagingNuclear MedicineEndoscopy and GI InvestigationsGeriatric RehabilitationMusculoskeletal Oncology RehabilitationCancer Genetics ClinicColposcopy ClinicPalliative Care ConsultationSexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care CentreThrombosis ClinicMedical Ambulatory Care ClinicOncology Day Services
Amenities
Cafeteria with vegetarian and gluten-free options
Vending machines
Free public Wi-Fi
Gift shop
Family lounges
Spiritual care services
Wheelchair accessible facility
Walk Safe escort program (via HHS Security, 905-521-2100)
Volunteer wayfinding assistance
Parking & Transit
Parking is available at the Concession St. parking garage (entrance off Concession St., directly across from the hospital), the Upper Sherman Ave. lot adjacent to the garage, and overflow parking at the Poplar Ave. garage and Mountain Park Ave. lot. Accessible spaces are located on Level 1 of the Concession St. garage near the entrance and in the Breast Assessment Centre lot. Payment is accepted at pay stations in the Concession and Poplar garages (cash accepted in elevator lobbies) or at the parking office inside the Concession St. garage. Multi-day passes are available: 5-Day Pass for $57.50 and 10-Day Pass for $115, each valid for one year from purchase. Parking is operated by the Hamilton Health Sciences Volunteer Association, with all profits directed to patient care.
Juravinski Hospital is served directly by Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) Route 23 (Upper Gage) and Route 24 (Upper Sherman), with stops outside the hospital. Additional access is available via HSR Route 25. The Lakeshore West GO Train line connects to the area with an onward HSR bus connection. For current schedules and fares, visit hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at most hospital ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, arriving earlier in the day typically results in shorter waits than evenings or weekends.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait time data is available for this location. Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout the weekend. Holidays and the winter respiratory illness season (November through March) also tend to increase ER volumes significantly.
Tips Before You Go
The Juravinski campus on the Hamilton escarpment can be complex to navigate — download floor plans from hamiltonhealthsciences.ca before your visit, and look for on-site volunteers who can help with wayfinding.
If you need to walk to or from the parking garage after dark, use the Walk Safe escort program by calling HHS Security at 905-521-2100 — this free service is available to all patients and visitors.
Accessible parking is available on Level 1 of the Concession St. garage near the main entrance — plan your route in advance if you have mobility needs.
Juravinski is a specialized tertiary-care facility with a focus on cancer, hematology, and complex surgical care. For minor or non-urgent conditions, consider whether another Hamilton-area urgent care option may have shorter waits.
If you are visiting a patient receiving cancer or stem cell treatment, check hamiltonhealthsciences.ca for visitor guidelines, as specialized units may have specific visiting protocols.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or referral letters
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks, water, and a warm layer — ER wait times can vary and waiting areas may be cool
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Juravinski Hospital have a full emergency department?
Yes. Juravinski Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by emergency physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Walk-in access is available — no prior registration or referral is required for emergency care.
Is Juravinski Hospital a cancer treatment centre?
Yes. Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive Regional Cancer Programs in Ontario, offering services ranging from cancer screening and genetics counselling through to chemotherapy and the only radiation therapy program in the Hamilton region.
What makes Juravinski Hospital unique compared to other Hamilton hospitals?
Juravinski is the only hospital in the Hamilton region with a hepatobiliary surgery centre and the only site offering radiation therapy. It is also a Canadian pioneer in adult stem cell transplant and cellular therapy, where the first successful transplant from an unrelated donor in Canadian history was performed.
Is Juravinski Hospital affiliated with a university?
Yes. Juravinski Hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with McMaster University, supporting medical education, clinical training, and research. The Escarpment Cancer Research Institute, established on-site in 2011, focuses on advancing oncology research and improving patient outcomes.
How do I get to Juravinski Hospital by public transit?
HSR Route 23 (Upper Gage) and Route 24 (Upper Sherman) stop directly outside the hospital on Concession Street. Route 25 and the Lakeshore West GO Train line (with an HSR bus connection) also provide access. Visit hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares for current schedules.
Is there parking available at Juravinski Hospital, and how much does it cost?
Yes. Parking is available in the Concession St. garage (directly across from the hospital), the Upper Sherman Ave. lot, and overflow lots on Poplar Ave. and Mountain Park Ave. Multi-day passes are available at $57.50 for 5 days or $115 for 10 days, valid for one year from purchase. Pay stations in the garages accept cash.
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.