Other hospital emergency departments and urgent care options are available elsewhere in London and the broader Southwestern Ontario region for those seeking alternatives closer to their location.
London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital, located at 339 Windermere Road in London, Ontario, is one of Canada's foremost tertiary care and trauma centres, serving Southwestern Ontario with a 24/7 emergency department that requires no referral. As a leading academic teaching hospital affiliated with Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, it offers advanced specialty care in cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and critical care. Patients with serious or complex illnesses and injuries who need access to specialized services — including trauma, cardiac, and transplant care — are best served here.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (no referral required)Trauma centre for Southwestern OntarioCardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and heart transplantsCardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) — 14 bedsMedical-Surgical ICU (MSICU) — 38 critical care bedsNeurosurgeryOrgan transplantation programHeart and heart-lung transplantationHybrid cardiac operating roomAdult Eating Disorders ServiceElectromyography (EMG) labOntario Health atHome South West case management on siteInterpretation services available upon requestOutpatient and acute inpatient care
Amenities
Tim Hortons on site
Subway sandwich shop on site
University Hospital Cafeteria
UH Prescription Centre (on-site pharmacy) — open 24 hours, 7 days a week
On-site WiFi
Wheelchair accessibility throughout most entrances
Visitor parking is available in the surface lot (P3) and parking garage (P4), both located north of the hospital off Perth Drive. Rates start at $4 for the first hour, then $2 per additional half hour, to a daily maximum of $12 (no in-and-out privileges). Frequent visitors can purchase an HPASS preloaded card for discounted rates and in-and-out privileges within a 24-hour period. Payment is accepted at the gate via debit/credit card or mobile wallet, or through the Parkedin App (available on Apple and Google stores). Cash and card payments are also accepted at parking booths. The Parking Office is in Visitor Garage P4, Level 1 (Room A1-800), open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and weekends/holidays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout, and drop-off points at main entrances accommodate patients with mobility needs.
London Transit Commission (LTC) buses serve University Hospital directly at 339 Windermere Road. Visit londontransit.ca for current routes, schedules, and trip planning tools.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays tends to be less congested at most hospital ERs, though this will vary based on your condition and hospital capacity.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait data is available for this location. Evening hours, weekends, and public holidays typically see higher volumes at most emergency departments. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider whether a walk-in clinic or virtual care option may be appropriate before coming to this tertiary centre.
Tips Before You Go
If you are discharged with a new prescription, the UH Prescription Centre pharmacy on site is open 24 hours — you can fill it before leaving the hospital.
Use the Parkedin App to pay for parking from your phone, avoiding trips back to a pay station. Download it before you arrive for the smoothest experience.
If a family member has difficulty walking, use the drop-off point at the main entrance first — seating is available just inside while you park.
Interpretation services are available at the ED — inform registration staff of your language needs when you arrive so services can be arranged promptly.
As a major academic teaching hospital, your care team may include medical students or residents. You can ask questions about who is involved in your care at any time.
The HPASS multi-day parking card is ideal if you or a loved one expects multiple visits — it saves money and allows in-and-out access across a 24-hour period.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP) or other provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
Any relevant previous medical records, test results, or imaging if available
Emergency contact information written down
Method of payment for parking (debit, credit, cash, or mobile wallet)
Comfort items for potentially long waits: phone charger, water bottle, snack, and a book or earphones
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University Hospital Emergency Department require a referral?
No referral is required. The Emergency Department at LHSC University Hospital is open 24/7 and accepts walk-in patients with serious illnesses or injuries. Most services are covered by OHIP.
Is University Hospital a trauma centre?
Yes. LHSC University Hospital is the leading tertiary care and trauma centre for Southwestern Ontario, treating up to 500,000 inpatients, outpatients, and emergency patients annually and offering advanced trauma and specialty services not available at most community hospitals.
Is there a pharmacy at University Hospital where I can fill prescriptions after an ER visit?
Yes. The UH Prescription Centre is an on-site pharmacy located at University Hospital and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — making it very convenient to fill prescriptions immediately after discharge at any hour.
What cardiac services are available at University Hospital?
University Hospital is London's primary cardiac centre, featuring up to four cardiac operating rooms (including a hybrid OR) and a 14-bed Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU). LHSC has performed over 600 heart transplants — more than any other centre in Canada — and was the site of Canada's first successful heart transplant.
Are interpretation services available in the Emergency Department?
Yes. Interpretation services are available at the University Hospital Emergency Department upon request. Let registration staff know your language needs as early as possible so appropriate support can be arranged.
How much does parking cost at University Hospital, and is there a discount option?
Parking costs $4 for the first hour and $2 per additional half hour, up to a daily maximum of $12. Patients and frequent visitors can purchase an HPASS preloaded card for discounted rates and in-and-out privileges within a 24-hour period. Payment is accepted via debit, credit, cash, mobile wallet, or the Parkedin App.
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.