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 DepartmentMcMaster Children's Hospital – Pediatric EmergencyNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – one of Canada's largestHigh-Risk Obstetrics and Labour & DeliveryWomen's Health and GynecologyPediatric Trauma Centre (regional)Child and Youth Mental Health (Ontario's largest inpatient unit)Pediatric Cancer CarePediatric Orthopedics and NeurosurgeryDigestive Diseases (one of Canada's premier programs)Diabetes Care – Adult and PediatricAdult Congenital Heart Disease / Cardiac Diseases in Pregnancy ClinicMichael G. DeGroote Pain ClinicBoris Clinic (multi-specialty integrated care)Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence ServicesDiagnostic Imaging and Nuclear MedicineEndoscopy / GI InvestigationsPrenatal Diagnosis ClinicMidwifery Care UnitPharmacy ServicesHelipad for patient transfer (offsite)
Amenities
On-site Pharmacy Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Nuclear Medicine
Bike storage (contact HHS Security Office at main entrance, level 2)
Walk Safe escort program (905-521-2100)
Underground and surface parking
Parking & Transit
Underground parking is accessible from Main St W or King St, with rates of $3.75 per 30 minutes and a daily maximum of $20.00. A short-term emergency parking lot is located across from the main hospital entrance. Accessible spaces are available at both locations. Long-term passes are available: 5-Day Pass ($57.50), 10-Day Pass ($115), and 14-Day consecutive pass ($56). Payment is accepted by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Debit, OntheGo card, and cash. The parking office is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and weekends/holidays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Parking is operated by the Hamilton Health Sciences Volunteer Association, with profits donated to patient care.
HSR bus routes 10 (B-Line) and 1A (King) stop directly outside the hospital at the 'Main at Emerson' stop — the most convenient transit option. Routes 5 (Delaware) and 51 (University) also serve the McMaster University campus with stops near the hospital entrance. GO Transit bus service is available from a terminal on the McMaster campus, with connections on the Lakeshore West and Hwy 407 West routes. SoBi bike-share hubs are available at six locations on the McMaster campus, with over 130 hubs across Hamilton.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Emergency departments are generally less busy during overnight hours (late night to early morning) and on weekday mornings before mid-morning. If your situation is not immediately life-threatening, these windows may mean shorter waits. Always call 911 or go directly to the ER for serious or life-threatening emergencies regardless of time.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments across Ontario tend to be busiest on weekday evenings (after work hours), weekend afternoons and evenings, and during cold and flu season (fall and winter). If your concern is urgent but non-life-threatening, checking real-time posted wait times before you leave can help you plan your visit.
Tips Before You Go
MUMC's emergency department specializes in pediatric and women's health emergencies — it is the regional pediatric trauma centre and the top destination for high-risk pregnancies in the Hamilton area.
If you or a family member needs adult trauma care, cardiac surgery, stroke treatment, or burn care, Hamilton General Hospital (a separate HHS site) is the appropriate destination, not MUMC.
The campus is large and complex. Arrive early and budget extra time for parking, especially for daytime appointments or visits. The underground garage is well-signed from Main St W and King St.
Taking the bus? HSR routes 10 and 1A stop directly in front of the hospital at 'Main at Emerson' — a very convenient option if you're coming from central or east Hamilton.
As a major teaching hospital affiliated with McMaster University, expect that medical students, residents, and researchers may be involved in your care — this is a normal part of receiving care at an academic health centre.
If you need a Walk Safe escort to your vehicle or bus stop, contact HHS Security Services at 905-521-2100.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or specialist letters
Insurance information (for non-OHIP-covered services)
Phone charger or portable battery pack
Snacks and water (wait times can vary)
A comfort item or change of clothes for children visiting the pediatric ER
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.
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.