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Norfolk General Hospital is the only hospital serving Norfolk County and its nearly 70,000 residents, located at 365 West St in Simcoe, Ontario. The 24/7 Emergency Department sees approximately 30,000 patients annually and offers full-service acute care including a 6-bed ICU, 64-slice CT scanner, and an on-site operating suite performing around 5,500 procedures per year. Founded in 1925 and a McMaster University teaching site since 2009, NGH is the appropriate destination for all emergency medical needs in the Norfolk County region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, 6-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 64-slice CT Scanning, Digital Mammography, Four operating theatres and endoscopy suite, Minimally invasive surgery, Helipad for air transport, Laboratory services (~200,000 tests annually), Ontario Breast Screening Program, Diabetes Educational Program, Withdrawal Management (Holmes House) Services, Infection Control Program, Crisis and social work services, Respiratory therapy, Physician assistant services, Five-level triage system, Chronic care (45 beds).
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hospital
TVs in waiting rooms
Patient Registration available after hours and on weekends
Bring your OHIP card and a complete list of current medications and dosages to speed up registration and triage.
Norfolk General is the only hospital in Norfolk County — for non-urgent concerns, consider calling 811 (Health811) or seeking a walk-in clinic in Simcoe to reduce ER wait times.
Parking is gated; if you arrive after hours or on weekends, pay at Patient Registration inside rather than the Cashier's office.
The average ER visit leading to admission takes approximately five hours — bring snacks, phone chargers, and reading material for a potentially extended stay.
If your condition allows, arriving in the early morning on weekdays typically means shorter waits compared to evenings and weekends when volume tends to increase.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card
Complete list of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Government-issued photo ID
Phone charger or portable battery pack
Snacks and a water bottle for potentially long waits
Insurance or benefits information if applicable
List of any recent medical procedures or relevant health history
Comfortable clothing if you anticipate a long stay or admission
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk General Hospital the only hospital in Norfolk County?
Yes. Norfolk General Hospital is the only hospital serving Norfolk County and its approximately 70,000 residents. For any emergency in the Simcoe and surrounding area, NGH is the designated facility.
Does Norfolk General Hospital have a helipad?
Yes. Norfolk General Hospital is equipped with a helipad, allowing critically ill or injured patients to be transported by air when required.
What is the triage process at Norfolk General Hospital's Emergency Department?
Upon arrival, a specially trained triage nurse will assess your condition using a standard five-level system — from Level 1 (life-threatening, e.g., cardiac arrest) to Level 5 (minor). The nurse will measure your vitals, ask about symptoms, allergies, and medications, then pass this information to the care team. Patients are seen in order of medical urgency, not arrival time.
How many patients visit the Norfolk General Hospital ER each year?
Approximately 30,000 patients visit the Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department annually, making it a busy and essential facility for the region.
Is there a CT scanner at Norfolk General Hospital?
Yes. Norfolk General Hospital has a 64-slice CT scanner on site, allowing emergency and diagnostic imaging to be performed without transferring patients to another facility.
How much does parking cost at Norfolk General Hospital?
Parking is $7.00 per hour. A monthly parking pass is available for $47.00. Lots are gated, and payment can be made by debit or credit card at the exit, at the Cashier's office during business hours, or at Patient Registration after hours and on weekends. Accessible parking is available in the Robinson Street lot.