CH DE L'UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL (CHUM) - HÔPITAL SAINT-LUC

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: If your condition allows some flexibility, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less congested than evenings or weekends at large urban hospitals. However, for any serious or life-threatening emergency, go immediately regardless of the time.

Busier times: Evenings (5 PM–10 PM), weekends, and Monday mornings are typically the busiest periods at major urban emergency departments like the CHUM. Holidays and periods of extreme weather in Montréal can also drive higher-than-usual volumes.

About CH DE L'UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL (CHUM) - HÔPITAL SAINT-LUC

The Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) operates one of Montréal's largest and most advanced emergency departments, offering Level I trauma care and access to over 35 specialized medical disciplines under one roof. Located in the heart of downtown Montréal at 1051 Sanguinet Street, the CHUM is a world-class university hospital serving adults across Québec with specialized and ultra-specialized care. This is the appropriate destination for complex emergencies, trauma, and serious medical conditions requiring immediate access to advanced diagnostics and specialist teams.

Services & Specialties

Level I Trauma Care, Emergency Medicine, General Medicine, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cancer Centre (Oncology), Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, High-Risk Pregnancy and Fertility, Urology, Nephrology, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Addictions Medicine and Detoxification, Pain Clinic, Sleep Clinic, Diagnostic Imaging (7 MRI units), Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Laboratory Services, Endoscopy, 39 Operating Rooms, Pharmacy.

Amenities

• On-site cafeteria with a wide variety of food at accessible prices
• On-site pharmacy
• Space of Contemplation (chapel/reflection area) along the Saint-Denis street interface
• 365-seat auditorium
• Hospital library
• Underground parking (850 spaces)
• Bicycle parking (210 spaces)

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Use the correct entrance: the Emergency Department entrance is at Pavillon D, 1001 Sanguinet Street — not the main hospital entrance.
• Take the metro for the easiest access: Champ-de-Mars station (Orange Line) connects directly to the CHUM via an underground tunnel, avoiding street-level weather and parking hassles.
• Always bring your RAMQ health insurance card. Without it, billing complications may arise and your wait could be affected by administrative steps.
• Services are provided primarily in French. If you require English-language care, inform triage staff as early as possible so accommodations can be arranged.
• As one of the largest and busiest hospitals in Canada, wait times in the emergency department can be lengthy for non-critical cases. If your condition is non-urgent, consider whether a local CLSC or walk-in clinic may be more appropriate.

What to Bring

• RAMQ health insurance card (Carte d'assurance maladie)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications (including dosages)
• List of known allergies
• Health history summary or relevant medical records
• Provincial drug insurance card or private insurance information
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Snacks and water for a potentially long wait

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.