Northumberland Hills Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, community hospital emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If your situation is urgent but not life-threatening, visiting mid-morning on a weekday may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: Without historical wait data, specific busy periods cannot be confirmed for NHH. As with most Canadian emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher patient volumes. Avoid these times for non-urgent concerns if possible, or consider whether a virtual care option or walk-in clinic may be appropriate for your situation.

About Northumberland Hills Hospital

Northumberland Hills Hospital's Emergency Department in Cobourg, Ontario provides 24/7 acute emergency care to a mixed urban and rural catchment area of approximately 63,000 residents across west Northumberland County, including Cobourg, Port Hope, and surrounding townships. The ED is staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals trained to assess and treat life-threatening injuries and severe illness, supported by on-site diagnostic imaging including MRI and CT. As a community hospital, NHH handles a broad scope of emergencies and coordinates transfers to larger regional centres such as Peterborough Regional Health Centre when specialized or complex care is required.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive care unit (ICU), Medical and surgical inpatient care, Obstetrical care, Palliative care, CT scanning, MRI imaging, Mammography, Mental health services, Chemotherapy (outpatient), Dialysis (outpatient), Restorative care and rehabilitation (PASS), Ambulatory care clinics, MyChart patient portal access.

Amenities

• Bistro cafeteria (open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
• Vending machines in the Emergency/Admitting lobby and Bistro
• MyChart free secure patient portal for health records and test results
• Wheelchair accessible facility

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 1 walk-in clinics in Cobourg →

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Tips Before You Go

• NHH is located just south of Highway 401 at the west end of Cobourg — use the DePalma Drive exit for the quickest route to the Emergency Department entrance.
• The Emergency Department has its own dedicated parking pay station inside the ED entrance, so you won't need to walk to the main entrance to pay for parking.
• Register for MyChart at nhh.ca to access your test results and health records online after your visit — it connects with seven partner hospitals including Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
• If your condition is complex or requires specialized care such as cardiac catheterization or pediatric subspecialty services, be aware that NHH may arrange a transfer to a larger regional facility — ask staff about this early in your visit.
• Call the hospital directly at 905-372-6811 or visit nhh.ca to confirm current services, clinic hours, and amenities before your visit.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Personal health insurance information (for services not covered by OHIP)
• Phone charger or entertainment for potential wait times
• A trusted family member or friend who can support you and speak on your behalf if needed

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.