Norfolk General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, early morning hours on weekdays (before 9 a.m.) tend to be less busy at community hospital ERs. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies regardless of time.

Busier times: Without historical data, specific peak times cannot be confirmed. As with most community ERs, evenings (after 5 p.m.), weekends, and holidays typically see higher patient volumes. If your need is non-urgent, consider off-peak times or alternative care options.

About Norfolk General Hospital

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
• Helipad for emergency air transport

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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

• 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

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.