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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario is home to Canada's largest and only internationally accredited Level 1 trauma centre, recognized by both the Trauma Association of Canada and the American College of Surgeons. The emergency department operates 24/7 and serves as a regional referral centre for trauma, stroke, burns, interventional cardiology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, spinal surgery, and high-risk maternal and neonatal care — accepting critically ill and injured patients from across Ontario by ground ambulance and air transport. With an annual census of approximately 64,000 emergency visits, Sunnybrook is best suited for patients with serious, complex, or life-threatening conditions requiring specialized care.
Services & Specialties
Level 1 Trauma Centre (Canada's largest; accredited by Trauma Association of Canada and American College of Surgeons), Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Stroke and complex neurology, Interventional cardiology, Neurosurgery, Vascular and spinal surgery, High-risk maternal and neonatal care (NICU), Oncology (Odette Cancer Centre), St. John's Rehab Program (complex rehabilitation), Veterans care, Air ambulance reception (helicopter pad on site), Trauma bay with dedicated trauma team, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) assessment, Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Physician services.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi via SW_guest network
Pharmacy — M-Wing, Room M1101 (416-480-4502) and Odette Cancer Centre T-Wing 1st Floor (416-480-4671)
ATM machines on campus
Cafeteria and Tim Hortons on campus
Chapel (E-Wing, Ground Floor) — open 24/7, all faiths welcome
Synagogue (E-Wing, Ground Floor) — open 24/7
Public computers in library, E-Wing Ground Floor, Room EG29
Baby change tables in M-Wing Main Floor washrooms near main entrance
Wheelchair accessible building, barrier-free washrooms, and designated accessible parking
Courtesy Services volunteers for wayfinding assistance
Sunnybrook's ER is a major trauma and critical care centre — if your condition is urgent but not life-threatening, consider a Toronto walk-in clinic, urgent care centre, or the Sunnybrook Virtual Emergency Department (available 7 days a week, 1–9 p.m.) to avoid longer waits.
Upon arrival, follow signs to the self check-in kiosk in the A-Wing Ground Floor Emergency Department — you'll receive a number and the triage nurse will be alerted automatically.
Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) and seen by severity, not arrival order — the most critically ill are treated first, so wait times can vary significantly.
The Emergency Department entrance is located in A-Wing, Ground Floor, accessible from the walk-in entrance on Life-Saving Drive. If arriving by car, look for signage directing you to Life-Saving Drive.
If you are coming from outside Toronto or being transferred from another hospital, Sunnybrook routinely receives patients by ambulance and helicopter and is equipped to handle the most complex cases in Ontario.
What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or imaging
Private health insurance information if applicable
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Comfort items such as a light jacket or snacks for accompanying family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunnybrook's Emergency Department really Canada's largest trauma centre?
Yes. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre operates Canada's largest Level 1 trauma centre, and it holds the distinction of being the only trauma centre outside the United States accredited at the Level 1 standard by both the Trauma Association of Canada and the American College of Surgeons.
Where is the Emergency Department entrance at Sunnybrook?
The Emergency Department is located in A-Wing, Ground Floor. You can access it via the walk-in entrance on Life-Saving Drive or through the A-Wing Ground Floor entrance. Signage on the Bayview Campus directs patients to the correct entrance.
Does Sunnybrook treat children in the Emergency Department?
Children are seen in the Sunnybrook Emergency Department; however, there is no dedicated pediatric emergency program on site. Pediatric patients requiring specialized pediatric care may be stabilized and then transferred to a children's hospital such as The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.
Is there a virtual emergency option at Sunnybrook for less urgent concerns?
Yes. Sunnybrook participates in Toronto's Virtual Emergency Department, offering same-day virtual appointments with an Emergency Nurse Practitioner or Emergency Physician for urgent but non-life-threatening concerns. The service is available seven days a week from 1–9 p.m.
How does triage work at the Sunnybrook Emergency Department?
All patients are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) upon arrival. Patients are seen by a physician based on the severity of their condition, not the order in which they arrived. Those with the most critical needs are treated first, which means wait times for less urgent conditions can vary considerably.
Does Sunnybrook have a helicopter landing pad for air ambulance arrivals?
Yes. Sunnybrook has two helicopter landing areas — one at the east end of the hospital grounds and one on the rooftop of M-Wing. The hospital regularly receives critically ill and injured patients via air ambulance from across the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.