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
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
Parking
On-site parking is available at the Marotta Family Hospital with a gated system that accepts cash, VISA, or MasterCard (debit not accepted). Digital signage at the entrance displays available spaces in real time. A monthly parking pass is available for $96.00 (30 consecutive days), purchasable at pay stations. The HPASS discounted multi-day card (5, 10, or 30 days) offers reduced rates and in-and-out privileges within a 24-hour period — available at the parking office in Lot B. Wheelchair-accessible entrances and designated drop-off/pick-up areas are clearly signed.
Getting There
The Marotta Family Hospital at 1200 Fourth Avenue is located at the corner of Fourth Ave and Ontario St in St. Catharines, served by Niagara Region Transit. Check current route schedules and stop details directly with Niagara Region Transit before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Niagara Health St. Catharines Emergency Department the main ER for the region?
Yes. The St. Catharines site (Marotta Family Hospital) is the primary and highest-acuity emergency department within the Niagara Health System, serving residents across all 12 municipalities of the Regional Municipality of Niagara. It offers specialized services not available at smaller Niagara Health sites.
Does this ER have cardiac and stroke emergency capabilities?
Yes. The Heart Investigation Unit (HIU) at this site provides cardiac catheterization and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) stent insertions, meaning Niagara residents can receive cardiac emergency care without being transferred out of region. Stroke care is also a specialized regional program available here.
Can I get mental health or addictions support through the Emergency Department?
Yes. The St. Catharines site offers specialized mental health and addictions emergency services. A Rapid Access Addictions and Mental Health (RAAM) Clinic is also located on-site for patients seeking addictions and mental health support.
Can parents accompany their child to the St. Catharines Emergency Department?
Yes. Up to two parents or caregivers are permitted to accompany a child to the Emergency Department at the Marotta Family Hospital.
What parking payment methods are accepted at the Marotta Family Hospital?
The gated parking system at the St. Catharines site accepts cash, VISA, and MasterCard. Debit cards are not accepted. Discounted HPASS multi-day parking cards and monthly passes can be purchased at the parking office in Lot B or at on-site pay stations.
Is there food available at the St. Catharines hospital if I have a long wait in the ER?
Yes. The hospital has a cafeteria and a Tim Hortons on-site. Vending machines offering hot and cold beverages and snacks are also available 24 hours a day in the Emergency Department and Urgent Care waiting areas.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 41 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.