CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE SAINTE-JUSTINE

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this department. In general, pediatric ERs tend to be less congested in the early morning hours (before 9 a.m.). If your child's condition is not life-threatening, calling 8-1-1 (Info-Santé) first can help you determine whether an ER visit is truly necessary.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available. Pediatric emergency departments across Canada typically experience higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and during cold and flu season (fall and winter). Mondays and Fridays can also be busier as families seek care before or after the weekend.

About CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE SAINTE-JUSTINE

The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine operates a dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency department in Montréal, QC, seeing approximately 82,000 children per year. As Canada's largest mother and child centre and a Level 1 pediatric trauma centre, it provides tertiary and quaternary care across all pediatric specialties, including oncology, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and neonatal intensive care. This ER serves infants, children, and adolescents, as well as obstetric patients — adults without a pediatric or maternal connection are not treated here.

Services & Specialties

Dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency department, Level 1 pediatric trauma centre, Pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (PICU/NICU), Pediatric cardiac surgery, Pediatric neurosurgery, Pediatric vascular surgery, Pediatric liver transplantation, Pediatric craniofacial surgery, Pediatric burn surgery, Pediatric oncology and hematology, Pediatric organ transplantation, Child psychiatry, High-risk pregnancy unit, Labour and delivery ward, Pediatric rehabilitation (Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Centre – CRME), Provincial reference centre for childhood deafness detection, Provincial reference centre for chronic pain management in children, Provincial reference centre for developmental disorders in children, Medical imaging, Nurse-led triage on arrival.

Amenities

• On-site research and academic facilities
• Two auditoriums (125 and 250 seats)
• Teaching rooms and lecture halls
• LEED-certified building infrastructure
• Fully accessible facility (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)
• Services and signage available in French and English
• Consult chusj.org for cafeteria, pharmacy, ATM, and Wi-Fi details

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• This ER treats only children and obstetric patients — adult patients without a maternal or pediatric connection will be redirected to another Montreal hospital such as the MUHC, CHUM, or Jewish General Hospital.
• Bring your own supplies for your child, including formula, baby food, diapers, and any regular medication, as wait times for non-urgent cases can be lengthy.
• To keep the waiting and exam areas as comfortable as possible for all families, limit the number of accompanying adults to those essential for the child's care.
• For non-urgent health concerns, consider calling 8-1-1 (Info-Santé) or visiting a walk-in clinic before coming to the ER — this helps ensure emergency resources are available for the most critical cases.
• The hospital is affiliated with Université de Montréal and operates as a major academic teaching centre; you may be seen by residents or medical students under physician supervision.
• Take the STM bus or Metro to avoid parking costs — routes 129, 161, and 165 stop very close to the main entrance on Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine.

What to Bring

• Provincial health insurance card (carte d'assurance maladie / RAMQ card)
• Any private insurance information
• Child's immunization record if relevant to the visit
• List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
• Diapers, formula, baby food, or any feeding supplies your child requires
• Comfort items for your child such as a favourite toy, blanket, or pacifier
• Snacks and drinks for accompanying parents or guardians
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or specialist reports

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 Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.