Stratford General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. tend to be quieter at most community hospital ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, mid-morning on a weekday is typically a better time to visit.

Busier times: Without historical wait data, general guidance applies: evenings (5–9 p.m.), weekends, and holidays tend to see higher ER volumes at most community hospitals as family doctor offices are closed and urgent concerns accumulate.

About Stratford General Hospital

Stratford General Hospital is a 118-bed acute and continuing care facility located at 46 General Hospital Dr in Stratford, Ontario, serving the broader Huron-Perth region as a key referral centre for emergency, stroke, cancer, maternity, and critical care. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the East Building and requires no referral — most services are covered by OHIP. Patients seeking care for life-threatening injuries, severe illness, or urgent medical needs will find a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and health professionals on site.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Critical Care / ICU, Integrated Stroke Unit and Stroke Prevention, Telemetry / Cardiac Monitoring, Surgical Inpatient Care, Maternal and Child Health / Maternity, Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery, Mental Health and Emergency Program, Cancer Care and Chemotherapy, Complex Continuing Care, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education, On-site Pharmacy, Home and Community Care Coordination (South West LHIN).

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy (Cancer and Medical Care Clinic)
• On-site library
• ED volunteers for patient and caregiver support
• On-site Care Coordinators for health navigation

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• The Emergency Department is located in the East Building, Level 1 — follow signage from the main entrance or visitor parking area.
• No referral is needed to visit the ER, and most services are covered by OHIP — bring your health card to speed up registration.
• ED volunteers are on site to greet you, direct you to triage, and help caregivers find information — don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
• If you require help navigating follow-up care or home services after your visit, ask to speak with an on-site Care Coordinator from South West Home and Community Care.
• Stratford General is a regional referral centre for stroke — if you or someone with you shows stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), go immediately to the ER or call 911.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or specialist letters
• List of known allergies
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Method of payment for any non-OHIP covered services or parking
• Comfort items for extended waits (water bottle, snack, phone charger)

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.