Other hospital emergency departments are available within the broader Toronto and Durham Region area for patients who may be closer to an alternative facility.
About Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Hospital
Scarborough Health Network – Centenary Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department at 2867 Ellesmere Rd in Scarborough, Toronto, serving northeast Scarborough and west Durham Region. The recently redeveloped ED spans 160,000 square feet with 56 exam rooms, nine airborne isolation rooms, and a rapid assessment zone designed to streamline care for lower-acuity patients who are able to walk in. As part of SHN's regional network, Centenary is the cardiac and spine surgery centre for the region and also houses a NICU, critical care, maternity, pediatric, and mental health services, making it a high-capability community hospital for a wide range of emergencies.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency DepartmentRapid Assessment Zone for lower-acuity walk-in patientsCardiac surgery (regional centre)Spine surgery (regional centre)Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)Maternity and newborn carePediatric careCritical care / ICUMental health emergency servicesCrisis and social work support in EDSurgical careDiagnostic imaging (36,000 sq ft facility)Airborne isolation roomsOutpatient and ambulatory care (Court Medical Mall)
Amenities
ATM in main lobby (next to Telecommunications window)
ATM in the Margaret Birch Wing near Security
Court Medical Mall on-site (outpatient diagnostics, labs, ambulatory care)
Security escorts to vehicle available on request
Closed-circuit cameras in all public areas
Wheelchair accessible entrances and barrier-free washrooms
Parking & Transit
A visitor parking lot is located on the north side of the hospital, with pay stations on the main floor and in a covered kiosk. The south lot at the rear of the building is closest to the Emergency Department and South Entrance. Short-term meter parking is available directly outside the ED for emergency use only. Accessible parking spaces are available near the North Entrance. A new two-storey parking garage is being added as part of the ED redevelopment. Long-term parking passes can be purchased at the parking office (8 a.m.–7 p.m.) using credit or cash.
TTC bus routes 133 (Neilson), 95, 95A, and 995 all stop near the hospital. The closest stop is the Centenary Hospital Loop at Neilson Rd, approximately a 2-minute walk. The stop at Ellesmere Rd at Neilson Rd is about a 3-minute walk. TTC Route 133 connects directly to Scarborough Centre Station for subway access. The nearest GO Train station is Guildwood GO, though it is a considerable distance from the hospital.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. In general, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at most urban ERs. If your condition is not urgent, calling ahead or visiting a walk-in clinic may reduce your wait significantly.
🔴 Busier times
Without historical data, general patterns suggest that evenings (5–10 p.m.), weekends, and Monday mornings are typically the busiest times at urban emergency departments. Holidays and severe weather events also tend to drive higher volumes at major Toronto-area hospitals.
Tips Before You Go
Use the rapid assessment zone if you are able to walk in and your condition is not immediately life-threatening — it is designed to speed up care for lower-acuity patients.
Short-term meter parking is available directly outside the ED, but it is reserved for emergency use; for longer stays, use the south lot or visitor parking lot on the north side.
The ED includes crisis workers and social workers — if you or someone with you is experiencing a mental health emergency, inform triage staff so the right team is engaged promptly.
TTC Route 133 runs directly to the hospital and connects to Scarborough Centre Station, making transit a reliable option if driving or parking is not practical.
If you require outpatient lab work, imaging, or ambulatory care that is not an emergency, consider the Court Medical Mall on-site to avoid the ED altogether.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of current medications, including dosages
Any relevant medical records or test results
Insurance information (if applicable, e.g., private or out-of-province coverage)
Personal comfort items for a potential wait (water bottle, snack, phone charger)
A trusted contact person's name and phone number
Any medical devices you use regularly (e.g., inhaler, EpiPen, hearing aid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rapid Assessment Zone at Centenary Hospital's ED?
The Rapid Assessment Zone is a dedicated area within the ED designed to expedite care for patients who are able to walk in on their own and whose condition does not pose an immediate or life-threatening risk. It helps reduce wait times for lower-acuity patients and keeps the main ED focused on critical cases.
Does Centenary Hospital have a NICU?
Yes. Centenary Hospital houses a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is a designated site for SHN's Women's and Children's program, including inpatient obstetrics and inpatient pediatrics.
Is Centenary Hospital a cardiac and spine surgery centre?
Yes. As part of the Scarborough Health Network, Centenary Hospital serves as the regional centre for cardiac surgery and spine surgery, offering specialized care that is not available at all community hospitals.
How do I get to Centenary Hospital by TTC?
Take TTC bus routes 133, 95, 95A, or 995. The Centenary Hospital Loop at Neilson Rd is the closest stop, roughly a 2-minute walk from the hospital. Route 133 (Neilson) connects directly to Scarborough Centre Station if you are coming from the subway.
Where should I park if I am visiting the Emergency Department at Centenary?
The south lot at the rear of the hospital is the closest to the Emergency Department and South Entrance. Short-term meter parking is also available directly outside the ED for emergency use only. Pay stations are located on the main floor and in the covered kiosk in the visitor lot.
Does Centenary Hospital's ED have mental health support?
Yes. The ED team at Centenary includes crisis workers and social workers alongside clinical staff, so the department is equipped to assess and support patients presenting with mental health emergencies in addition to physical health concerns.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.