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St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) operates a full-service, 24/7 Emergency Department serving the City of St. Thomas and all seven municipalities within Elgin County, including three local First Nations communities. Located on the ground floor of the North Building at 189 Elm St, the ED features a three-zone triage system and is recognized as one of Ontario's best-performing hospitals for emergency department wait times. STEGH is a 179-bed accredited facility offering a broad spectrum of care including surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and regional chemotherapy and stroke services — making it the primary acute care destination for the greater Elgin region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Maternal-Child Care, Pediatrics, Mental Health (Inpatient and Outpatient), Anesthesia, Cardiorespiratory Services, Diagnostic Imaging, Chemotherapy (Regional Satellite), Stroke Unit (Regional Satellite), Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care, Sleep Studies, Family Medicine, Surgical Program.
Amenities
Atrium Café: Ground Floor, South Building — open Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:30 AM–1:00 PM; closed statutory holidays
On-site inpatient pharmacy
Accessible washrooms on ground and first floors
TTY line available at 519-631-7789 for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired patients
Interpreter services available upon request
Wheelchair-accessible entrances (East and South) with automatic or push-button doors
Patient Experience Office (ext. 2184) for concerns or feedback
Upon arrival at the ED, a triage nurse will assess you and assign you to one of three care zones — be prepared to clearly describe your symptoms and their onset.
If you arrive by ambulance and are well enough to sit up, STEGH's Fit2Sit program (in partnership with Medavie EMS) may have you wait in a chair in the waiting area rather than on a stretcher.
OHIP covers most Emergency Department services — bring your health card to avoid delays at registration.
Interpreter services are available at no charge — let the triage nurse know immediately if you require language assistance.
STEGH is a fully smoke-free facility including all buildings, parking lots, grounds, and vehicles on the property — plan accordingly for extended visits.
For non-emergency concerns or feedback during your visit, contact the Patient Experience Office at 519-631-2030, ext. 2184.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP) or other provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
Provincial drug benefit card or private insurance information
Credit or debit card for parking payment
Comfortable clothing and a blanket or light layer (ER waiting areas can be cool)
Phone charger or portable battery, and entertainment for potential wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Emergency Department located within St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital?
The STEGH Emergency Department is located on the Ground Floor of the North Building at 189 Elm St. The Emergency parking lot is accessible off Hepburn Avenue for the most direct access to the ED entrance.
Does STEGH's Emergency Department accept walk-in patients without a referral?
Yes. No referral is required to visit the STEGH Emergency Department. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and most services are covered by OHIP. Simply arrive and you will be assessed by a triage nurse upon entry.
How does the three-zone triage system work at STEGH's ED?
When you arrive, a registered triage nurse will assess the urgency of your condition and direct you to one of three care zones within the ED. This system helps ensure that the most critical patients are seen first while allowing less urgent patients to be served efficiently in an appropriate area.
Can I deliver my baby at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital?
Yes. STEGH provides obstetrics and maternal-child care services. Pregnant women in Elgin County at 32 weeks gestation or later can deliver at STEGH, which means many families do not need to travel outside the city. The hospital also provides 24-hour obstetrical coverage.
Is there parking available specifically for emergency patients at STEGH?
Yes. A dedicated Emergency Lot is located off Hepburn Avenue. Parking is a flat rate of $6.25 per visit. Payment can be made by debit or credit at the exit gate, or with cash at the ED Registration Desk after hours and on weekends. Weekly and monthly passes are also available at the Registration Desk.
Does STEGH offer mental health services through the Emergency Department?
STEGH has comprehensive mental health and addiction services, including inpatient and outpatient programs, and provides 24-hour mental health coverage. A new Mental Health and Addiction Services unit was included as part of the hospital's major redevelopment project. Patients presenting with a mental health crisis can be assessed through the Emergency Department.