The Emergency Department at Centre Hospitalier de St. Mary (St. Mary's Hospital Centre) in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood provides 24/7 acute care and has been recognized as one of the most efficient emergency departments in Québec, receiving a provincial award for maintaining the lowest congestion levels in the Montreal region. As a McGill University-affiliated teaching hospital with 316 beds and specializations in obstetrics, oncology, geriatrics, and family medicine, this ER is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent and complex medical needs. A dedicated multidisciplinary geriatric team embedded within the ED makes it particularly well-suited for elderly patients requiring specialized emergency assessment.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency care, Geriatric emergency assessment (dedicated multidisciplinary geriatric ED team), Emergency detoxification for severe withdrawal or poisoning, Cardiology, Critical care, Neurology, Nephrology and renal dialysis, Respirology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectious diseases, Internal medicine, Oncology, Obstetrics (over 4,300 deliveries annually), CT scan and MRI imaging, Nuclear medicine, Pre-operative medicine, Rheumatology and immunology, Dermatology, CAP-certified laboratory services.
Amenities
On-site paid parking with accessible spaces
Staff communicating in over 30 languages
McGill University teaching and research facilities on site
Spiritual and pastoral care services (historically rooted in the Sisters of Providence)
Visitors are advised to call (514) 345-3511 to confirm current cafeteria, ATM, pharmacy, and Wi-Fi availability before visiting
St. Mary's ED is award-winning for low congestion by Montréal standards, but arriving during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) can still reduce your wait.
If you or a loved one is a senior, note that St. Mary's has a dedicated geriatric team directly within the ED — inform triage staff if geriatric care may be relevant.
Staff can communicate in over 30 languages — if French or English is not your primary language, let the triage nurse know so the right staff member can assist you.
The hospital is affiliated with McGill University, so residents and medical students may be involved in your care — this is normal and expected at this teaching facility.
For emergency detoxification needs related to severe withdrawal or poisoning, St. Mary's offers dedicated services — inform triage immediately if this is your reason for visiting.
Take the Blue or Orange Metro Line to Université de Montréal station and walk approximately 9 minutes, or use STM bus route 165 or 166 for a stop closer to the entrance.
What to Bring
Québec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, including dosages
Any relevant medical history documents or recent test results
Emergency contact name and phone number
Health insurance or supplemental coverage information (if applicable)
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (ERs can be cold)
Phone charger or portable battery, and entertainment for potential wait times
Parking
Paid on-site parking is available at the main hospital entrance on Avenue Lacombe. Accessible and disability parking is available on site. Street parking nearby is limited. Additional parking can be found at St. Joseph's Oratory. Contact the hospital at (514) 345-3511 for current rates.
Getting There
St. Mary's Hospital is well served by public transit. STM bus routes 17, 51, 119, 129, 165, 166, 368, 369, 465, and 711 stop nearby. The closest stop is Jean-Brillant / Légaré (approximately 2 min walk). The Université de Montréal Metro Station (Blue Line / Orange Line) is about a 9-minute walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Mary's Hospital Emergency Department open overnight?
Yes. The Emergency Department at St. Mary's Hospital Centre on Avenue Lacombe in Montréal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
Does St. Mary's ER have specialized care for elderly patients?
Yes. St. Mary's has a dedicated multidisciplinary geriatric team embedded within the Emergency Department. The hospital also operates a 22-bed Geriatric Assessment Unit and outpatient geriatric clinic, making it one of the better-equipped facilities in Montréal for elderly patients presenting to emergency.
Can St. Mary's ER treat alcohol or drug withdrawal emergencies?
Yes. St. Mary's Hospital provides emergency detoxification services, including emergency care for patients experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or poisoning. Inform the triage nurse immediately upon arrival so appropriate care can be prioritized.
Is St. Mary's a teaching hospital and will students be involved in my care?
Yes. St. Mary's is a university-affiliated teaching hospital (CHAU) affiliated with McGill University. Residents, medical students, nurse practitioner trainees, and allied health trainees may be involved in your care. This is standard practice and is conducted under the supervision of fully licensed physicians.
What language services are available at St. Mary's ER?
St. Mary's Hospital staff can communicate in over 30 different languages, reflecting the multicultural Côte-des-Neiges community it serves. If you are more comfortable in a language other than French or English, let the triage team know and they will do their best to connect you with an appropriate staff member.
How do I get to St. Mary's Hospital by public transit?
St. Mary's Hospital at 3830 Avenue Lacombe is accessible via multiple STM bus routes including 165 and 166, with a stop at De La Côte-des-Neiges / Lacombe just a 4-minute walk away. The Université de Montréal Metro Station (Blue and Orange Lines) is approximately a 9-minute walk from the hospital entrance.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 42 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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