THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL/L'HÔPITAL D'OTTAWA - GENERAL CAMPUS

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 than weekend afternoons or evenings. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, visiting during off-peak hours may reduce your wait time.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekend afternoons and evenings, and during holidays. Evenings between 6 p.m. and midnight often see higher volumes as patients arrive after work or after trying other care options. If you have a non-urgent condition, consider whether a walk-in clinic or virtual care service might be appropriate.

About THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL/L'HÔPITAL D'OTTAWA - GENERAL CAMPUS

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, located at 501 Smyth Rd in Ottawa, Ontario, operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals equipped to treat life-threatening injuries and severe illness. As a major academic health centre affiliated with the University of Ottawa and serving over 1.2 million people across Eastern Ontario, the General Campus offers one of the most comprehensive levels of acute care in the region. Patients requiring specialized care in areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, cardiothoracic surgery, or intensive care will find advanced specialist services available on this campus.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cancer Program (Regional Cancer Centre hub), University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Rehabilitation Centre, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Endocrinology, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Dermatology, Allergy & Immunology, Anesthesiology, Audiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Laboratory Services, Medical Imaging, Kidney Research Centre, Emergency Medical Services.

Amenities

• Tim Hortons (Critical Care Wing lobby) — open 24/7
• Café 501 cafeteria — Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Second Cup — 7 days a week, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Full-service pharmacy — Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friends' Corner Convenience Store — weekdays 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., weekends/holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• La Boutique gift shop
• ATMs at multiple locations throughout the campus
• Quiet reflection space / chapel in main building near room M1326
• Free spoken language interpretation services (including ASL and LSQ)
• Personal amplifiers (Pocket Talkers) available on request
• Volunteer assistance at main entrances — Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Accessible washrooms throughout the campus
• Epic MyChart patient portal access

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 16 walk-in clinics in Ottawa →

Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• If you are arriving by OC Transpo, routes 5, 45, 609, and 645 all stop at Ring Road / TOH General Campus — just a 3-minute walk to the ER entrance.
• A 24/7 Tim Hortons is available in the Critical Care Wing lobby, making it easy for family members accompanying patients to get food or coffee at any hour.
• Use the Flowbird mobile parking app or tap-and-go payment to speed up your parking experience — no need to manage cash at the meters.
• Free language interpretation services, including ASL and LSQ sign language, are available throughout the hospital — inform staff of your needs upon arrival.
• If you are a patient with ongoing care needs, ask about Epic MyChart to access your health records and communicate with your care team digitally.
• Patient Relations can be reached at 613-798-5555 ext. 13377 if you have concerns or feedback about your care experience.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Provincial health card (Ontario Health Card / OHIP card)
• List of current medications, including dosages
• List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
• Name and contact information for your family doctor or specialist
• Insurance information if applicable (e.g., out-of-province or travel insurance)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for a long wait
• Comfort items such as a book, headphones, or a light snack for extended waits

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.