Renfrew Victoria Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No specific historical wait time data is available for Renfrew Victoria Hospital. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (after the early morning rush but before afternoon peaks) tends to be a quieter period at rural community ERs. For non-life-threatening issues, patient reviewers note that waits at RVH are typically short compared to larger urban centres.

Busier times: Like most emergency departments, RVH is likely busiest on weekday evenings (after work hours), weekends, and during major holidays when family doctors' offices are closed. Flu season (November through March) can also increase ER volumes. If your situation is not an emergency, consider calling your family physician or a telehealth service first.

About Renfrew Victoria Hospital

Renfrew Victoria Hospital's Emergency Department in Renfrew, Ontario operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, serving a large rural catchment area that spans from Whitewater Township in the north to McNab/Braeside in the south and east to the Quebec border. The fully accredited 55-bed hospital offers a comprehensive ER staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals who triage and treat life-threatening injuries and serious illnesses, supported by on-site imaging, a Special Care Unit, and regional programs including an Assault Response Team and Addictions Treatment Service. Patients throughout Renfrew County rely on this hospital as the primary acute care facility for emergency, surgical, obstetrical, and complex medical needs.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with physician and nursing triage, General surgery, Obstetrical care and Birthing Room, Special Care Unit (step-down/ICU-level monitoring), Regional Nephrology Centre with 20-station hemodialysis unit, Satellite oncology program, Medical imaging (X-ray and diagnostic), Regional Assault Care Program and Assault Response Team RN, Addictions Treatment Service, Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurse, Diabetes Education program, Palliative Care, Pediatric ambulatory clinic, Speech and Language Services, Complex Continuing Care, Pastoral and Spiritual Care.

Amenities

• Cafeteria open Monday–Friday with hot breakfast service until 10:30 a.m. (check renfrewhosp.com for full daily hours)
• ATM located inside the cafeteria
• State-of-the-art on-site pharmacy (added in 2015 expansion)
• Indoor solarium (added in 2015 expansion)
• Pastoral and Spiritual Care services
• Meals on Wheels and Outreach/Assisted Living Program

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 Ontario Health Card — all emergency services at RVH are covered by OHIP with no out-of-pocket fees required.
• Patient reviews consistently note shorter wait times compared to larger urban hospitals, but arriving earlier in the day on weekdays is generally advisable for non-life-threatening concerns.
• If you or a loved one has experienced an assault, ask staff about RVH's Regional Assault Care Program and the dedicated Assault Response Team RN available in the ED.
• For patients requiring dialysis from outside the immediate area, note that RVH is the designated Regional Nephrology Centre for Renfrew County and coordinates satellite services with other county hospitals.
• Families are welcome in patient areas 24 hours a day according to patient preference, while general visiting hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily — plan accordingly when accompanying a patient.

What to Bring

• Valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical history, allergy information, or previous test results
• Name and contact information of your family doctor or specialist
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for extended waits
• Health insurance information for any non-OHIP-covered services (e.g., prescriptions, ambulance)
• A trusted family member or friend who can advocate 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.