Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Best Times to Visit

About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

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

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• 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

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.