Ross Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Ross Memorial Hospital

Ross Memorial Hospital is Lindsay's only acute-care hospital and the sole hospital serving the entire City of Kawartha Lakes, providing 24/7 emergency care to more than 100,000 local residents and seasonal visitors. The emergency department — expanded to twice its previous capacity — sees approximately 45,000 patients per year and is supported by a broad range of specialties including a Level 3 ICU, dialysis, surgery, obstetrics, mental health, and MRI and Cardiac CT imaging. For residents across Kawartha Lakes, RMH is the primary emergency destination for everything from minor injuries to complex, time-sensitive medical needs.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Level 3 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 15-Station Dialysis Unit, Obstetrics and Women's Health, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Mental Health Programs (including Schedule 1), MRI and Cardiac CT Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging (full range), Paediatric Decision Unit (up to 24-hour observation), Paediatric Clinics (in partnership with Peterborough paediatricians), Rehabilitation and Restorative Seniors Care, Palliative Care, Radiation Oncology Consultation, Reproductive Health and Gynecology Clinic, Sleep Lab, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Transitional Care Unit, On-site Pharmacy Department, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres (formerly MyHealth Centre).

Amenities

• Gift shop near main entrance
• Coffee shop near main entrance
• Staff cafeteria (serving ~150 meals daily; public access hours — confirm with hospital)
• On-site Pharmacy Department
• ED waiting area phones connecting to local taxi service
• Mailbox just outside the main entrance for outgoing patient mail
• Information Desk with volunteer assistance in main lobby
• Colour-coded wayfinding throughout the hospital

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 2 walk-in clinics in Lindsay →

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

• Ross Memorial is the only hospital in the City of Kawartha Lakes — for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
• Patients in the ED are seen in order of medical urgency, not arrival time. A triage nurse will assess you on arrival and direct you to a treatment room or waiting area based on your condition.
• If you are a frequent visitor or have a scheduled admission, consider purchasing an HPASS parking pass at the hospital's Parking Office to save on parking costs across multiple visits.
• Lindsay Transit's Green Route stops right outside the hospital, but service ends at 7:00 p.m. and does not run Sundays — plan your return trip accordingly or use the ED waiting room phone to call a local taxi.
• Children brought to the ED may be admitted to the Paediatric Decision Unit for up to 24 hours of observation — if your child requires more specialized paediatric care, RMH will coordinate a transfer to an appropriate facility.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
• Personal health insurance information (for services not covered by OHIP)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — waiting areas can be cool
• Snacks and water for accompanying family members during extended waits

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.