Scarborough Health Network - Centenary 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.

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 Department, Rapid Assessment Zone for lower-acuity walk-in patients, Cardiac surgery (regional centre), Spine surgery (regional centre), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Maternity and newborn care, Pediatric care, Critical care / ICU, Mental health emergency services, Crisis and social work support in ED, Surgical care, Diagnostic imaging (36,000 sq ft facility), Airborne isolation rooms, Outpatient 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

Other Care Options

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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

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.