London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria

Best Times to Visit

About LHSC Victoria Hospital

London Health Sciences Centre – Victoria Hospital operates a 24/7 adult emergency department and a co-located Children's Emergency Department at 800 Commissioners Rd E in London, Ontario, providing acute care for serious illnesses and injuries without requiring a referral. As part of one of Canada's largest acute care teaching hospitals, Victoria Hospital serves as a regional referral centre for southwestern Ontario, offering advanced specialties including emergency psychiatry, cancer care, labour and birthing, and complex cardiac treatments. Patients requiring high-acuity or specialized care—including pediatric emergencies—will find comprehensive, multi-disciplinary services on a single campus.

Services & Specialties

Adult Emergency Department (24/7, walk-in, no referral required), Children's Emergency Department (pediatric emergencies), Centralized Emergency Psychiatry Service (CEPS) — mental health crisis assessments, Labour and Birthing Unit (24/7 B Zone entrance), Cancer care and oncology services, Advanced cardiac care including radiation treatment for heart rhythm conditions, Stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease, Ontario Health atHome case management (on-site), Interpretation services (bilingual staff or outside interpreter upon request), Wheelchair accessible emergency department.

Amenities

• Tim Hortons — B Zone, second level
• Starbucks — B Zone, third level
• Cafeteria — Zones B1 and C3
• The Prescription Centre pharmacy — A-Tower, Room A2-400, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
• Children's Hospital Pharmacy and Compounding Centre — Room B1-001, Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm
• ATMs — B1 and B2 levels
• Chapel — C Zone, third floor (pastoral care available on request)
• Victoria's Place Gift Shop — B1 level
• Free Wi-Fi for all patients and visitors
• Wheelchair accessibility throughout the facility
• On-site wayfinding kiosks and guide stations

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 27 walk-in clinics in London →

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

• Victoria Hospital uses a Zone/Building system (Zones A–E). Use the on-site wayfinding kiosks when you arrive to find your destination quickly, especially on your first visit.
• If you are arriving by LTC bus, Route 6 (Richmond) drops passengers at the Zone C entrance — follow interior signs to Zone B for the main emergency and children's areas.
• If you are accompanying someone in labour, designated short-term metered parking is available directly outside the B Zone entrance; wheelchairs are available in the lobby for support persons to assist.
• Mental health crises are handled directly in the emergency department by the Centralized Emergency Psychiatry Service (CEPS) — you do not need a separate referral or a different location.
• Both on-site pharmacies are closed on weekends and statutory holidays; if you are discharged and need a prescription filled outside those hours, plan for an alternate community pharmacy in London.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP) or other provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if available
• Private insurance or drug plan card (for pharmacy use if needed)
• Phone charger or portable battery — waits can be lengthy
• Comfort items such as a light jacket or snacks for accompanying family members
• Information about known allergies and previous surgeries or medical conditions

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.