University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Toronto General Hospital

Toronto General Hospital's Emergency Department, located at 200 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto, provides 24/7 assessment and treatment of life-threatening injuries and severe illness for adult patients, serving both walk-ins and ambulance arrivals. As the flagship campus of University Health Network (UHN) and a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, TGH is uniquely equipped for highly complex, multi-system conditions, cardiac emergencies, and transplant-related care. With approximately 28,065 emergency visits annually and North America's largest organ transplant centre on site, this is Toronto's premier destination for adults requiring specialized or complex acute care.

Services & Specialties

24/7 adult emergency care, Cardiac emergency assessment and treatment, Organ transplant support (heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, small intestine), Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, Critical care and complex acute illness management, Mental health emergency services (depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, addictions), Trauma assessment and stabilization, Ambulance and walk-in patient intake, Follow-up care coordination and specialist referrals, Clinical trials and academic medicine.

Amenities

• Food court (Norman Urquhart Building, Ground Floor)
• Mini food court (Eaton Building Lobby, Ground Floor – Elizabeth St. entrance)
• MaRS Building food court (adjacent, ground floor)
• Lettieri coffee (Eaton Building, Ground Floor)
• Tim Hortons (Elliott Building, 1st floor and Norman Urquhart Building, 1st floor)
• Outpatient pharmacy (ground floor)
• Free UHN guest Wi-Fi
• ATMs / bank machines
• Gift shop and flowers
• Peter and Melanie Munk Patient and Family Learning Centre and Library (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm)
• DeGasperis Conservatory indoor relaxation courtyard
• Phone interpreter services for non-English speakers
• TTY phones for deaf and hard of hearing
• Walk-Safe security escort program (call 416-340-4111)
• Volunteer information desks at entrances
• Vending machines
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and barrier-free washrooms

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 104 walk-in clinics in Toronto →

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

• Use the Emergency Department entrance at the corner of Gerrard and Elizabeth Streets — it is always open. The University Avenue and main Elizabeth Street entrances are locked between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am; use the intercom if needed.
• Toronto General is an adult-focused hospital. If you are bringing a child for emergency care, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is directly adjacent and is the appropriate facility for pediatric emergencies.
• TGH specializes in complex, multi-system conditions, cardiac emergencies, and transplant care — if your condition is serious and requires specialist involvement, this is one of Canada's best-equipped facilities to handle it.
• Take advantage of the underground tunnel from Queen's Park subway station through the MaRS Building to reach the hospital without going outside — especially useful in winter or bad weather.
• If you are a frequent visitor or accompanying a loved one with a long admission, ask about discounted parking passes (5-, 10-, or 30-day) at the 201 Elizabeth Street lot to significantly reduce parking costs.
• Use the free Walk-Safe escort program (416-340-4111) if you need to travel to a nearby parking lot, TTC station, or adjacent hospital safely, especially late at night.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Provincial health card (Ontario OHIP card)
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
• Any relevant medical history documents, recent test results, or specialist letters
• Extended health insurance or drug benefit card if applicable
• Phone or tablet charger (free guest Wi-Fi is available)
• Comfortable clothing and a light blanket or sweater for waiting
• Cash or debit/credit card for parking, food, or pharmacy co-pays

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.