Niagara Health System - St. Catharines

Best Times to Visit

About Niagara Health St. Catharines

The Niagara Health System – St. Catharines Site, housed in the modern Marotta Family Hospital, is the primary and highest-acuity emergency department serving the Niagara region and its 434,000 residents. As a community-based academic centre, this 24/7 emergency department provides access to specialized regional programs including cardiac care, cancer care, mental health and addictions, stroke care, and women's and children's health — all without patients needing to leave Niagara. Those requiring advanced emergency care, critical care, or access to regional specialty services should come to this site.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with Rapid Assessment Zone, Critical Care / Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Critical Care Response Team (24/7 bedside response), Cardiac Care including cardiac catheterization and PCI stent insertion (Heart Investigation Unit), Stroke Care, Cancer Care (Walker Family Cancer Centre on-site), Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Services, Rapid Access Addictions and Mental Health (RAAM) Clinic, Women's, Babies, and Children's Health with state-of-the-art birthing suites, Kidney Care, Surgical Care, Outpatient Clinics, Laboratory Services, Cardiology Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria on-site
• Tim Hortons on-site
• Vending machines (hot and cold beverages and snacks) available 24/7 in the ED and Urgent Care waiting areas
• Gift shop maintained by Hospital Auxiliary (personal care items and gifts)
• Pay-for-use guest Wi-Fi accessible to patients and visitors

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 7 walk-in clinics in St Catharines →

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Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• This is the highest-acuity emergency site in the Niagara region — if you require advanced or specialized emergency care (cardiac, stroke, mental health crisis, obstetrical emergency), this is the appropriate destination.
• The ED has a Rapid Assessment Zone designed to quickly evaluate lower-acuity patients; you may be assessed and redirected within this zone depending on your condition.
• Bring a list of your current medications and any relevant health card information to speed up registration — this is especially important if you are being transferred from another Niagara Health site.
• If you are accompanying a child to the Emergency Department, two parents or caregivers are permitted to be present.
• Ask about the Essential Care Partner (ECP) program if admitted — you can designate up to two loved ones to participate actively in your care and communicate with hospital staff.
• Parking lots are busy during peak hours; check the real-time space indicators at the entrance and budget extra time. Have cash, VISA, or MasterCard ready as debit is not accepted.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) or other provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging results
• List of your doctors' names and contact information
• Method of payment for parking (cash, VISA, or MasterCard — no debit)
• Comfortable clothing and a sweater or blanket (ERs can be cool during long waits)
• Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long wait times

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.