Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster

1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON (905) 521-2100

Current ER wait

38m
38m wait. See a doctor online instead? Often under an hour. Cold, UTI, rash, prescriptions and more. See a doctor online

In an emergency, call 911. Independent service, not affiliated with this hospital. Free nurse advice: 811.

Source: Hamilton Health Sciences / St. Joseph’s · as of 1:26 a.m. EDT

Open 24/7

Source: Government of Ontario·high confidence·verified 1mo ago

Non-emergency options

Before you go, check if a pharmacist can help Pharmacists in Ontario can prescribe on the spot for 22 conditions, including UTIs, cold sores and pink eye. Walk in, no appointment. No cost with a valid health card. Book a pharmacist visit See what pharmacists can treat →
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12-Hour Forecast

3h29
5am
4h3
6am
3h25
7am
1h36
8am
0h59
9am
0h42
10am
0h51
11am
0h57
12pm

Best Times to Visit

Shortest wait Fridays 5pm avg ~55m
Longest wait Tuesdays 12pm avg ~3h 29m

Nearby Alternatives

Hamilton General Hospital

Hamilton · 1 km away

2h 59m

St. Joseph's Healthcare - Charlton Campus

Hamilton · 2 km away

43m

Juravinski Hospital

Hamilton · 3 km away

2h 55m

Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital

Burlington · 9 km away

—

Halton Healthcare Services - Oakville

Oakville · 23 km away

1h 41m

Live map, alerts, and forecasts

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About McMaster University Medical Centre

Hamilton Health Sciences – McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC) is a major academic hospital and regional referral centre located at 1200 Main St W in Hamilton, Ontario, operating a 24/7 emergency department within one of Canada's largest and most research-active hospital networks. The facility is home to McMaster Children's Hospital — which includes the fastest-growing kids-only ER in Ontario — as well as a comprehensive Women's Health Centre offering high-risk obstetric and gynecological care. MUMC is the primary destination in the region for pediatric emergencies, neonatal intensive care, high-risk pregnancies, and adult outpatient specialty care; patients requiring adult trauma, cardiac surgery, stroke, or burn care are typically directed to Hamilton General Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, McMaster Children's Hospital – Pediatric Emergency, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – one of Canada's largest, High-Risk Obstetrics and Labour & Delivery, Women's Health and Gynecology, Pediatric Trauma Centre (regional), Child and Youth Mental Health (Ontario's largest inpatient unit), Pediatric Cancer Care, Pediatric Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, Digestive Diseases (one of Canada's premier programs), Diabetes Care – Adult and Pediatric, Adult Congenital Heart Disease / Cardiac Diseases in Pregnancy Clinic, Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic, Boris Clinic (multi-specialty integrated care), Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services, Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Endoscopy / GI Investigations, Prenatal Diagnosis Clinic, Midwifery Care Unit, Pharmacy Services, Helipad for patient transfer (offsite).

Amenities

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 17 walk-in clinics in Hamilton →

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

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McMaster University Medical Centre have a children's emergency department?
Yes. McMaster Children's Hospital, located within MUMC, operates a dedicated pediatric emergency department and is the fastest-growing kids-only ER in Ontario. It is the regional pediatric trauma centre and is supported by specialists in children's cancer, digestive diseases, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and mental health.
Is MUMC the right hospital for a high-risk pregnancy or labour emergency in Hamilton?
Yes. MUMC hosts one of Ontario's largest labour and delivery programs and specializes in high-risk obstetrics. Women experiencing pregnancy complications or requiring specialized maternal-fetal care are typically served at this site.
Can I go to MUMC for adult trauma, stroke, or cardiac surgery emergencies?
No. Adult trauma, cardiac surgery, stroke, and burn services are located at Hamilton General Hospital, a separate Hamilton Health Sciences site. If you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, major trauma, or cardiac emergency, call 911 — paramedics will direct you to the appropriate facility.
Is there parking available at McMaster University Medical Centre?
Yes. An underground parking garage is accessible from Main St W or King St at a rate of $3.75 per 30 minutes (daily max $20). A short-term surface lot is also available directly across from the main entrance. Long-term passes are available for patients with ongoing appointments.
Is MUMC a teaching hospital? Will students be involved in my care?
Yes. MUMC is closely affiliated with McMaster University and has been a teaching hospital since 1972. Medical students, residents, and clinical researchers are routinely involved in patient care as part of the academic mission of the hospital. This is standard practice and helps train future generations of healthcare providers.
What transit options serve McMaster University Medical Centre?
HSR bus routes 10 (B-Line) and 1A (King) stop directly outside the hospital at 'Main at Emerson.' GO Transit service is also available from a bus terminal on the McMaster campus, connecting to the Lakeshore West and Hwy 407 West routes. SoBi bike-share hubs are located at six spots on campus.

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View all Ontario hospitals

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.

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