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The emergency department at Hôpital de Chicoutimi (CSSS de Chicoutimi), located at 305 Rue Saint-Vallier in Chicoutimi, serves as a major regional referral centre for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, drawing patients from across the broader area including Lac-Saint-Jean. As part of the CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and a designated Centre affilié universitaire régional affiliated with both the Université de Sherbrooke and the Université de Montréal, this is a full-service teaching hospital equipped to handle a wide range of emergency and complex care needs. Patients requiring urgent or serious medical attention in the Chicoutimi and greater Saguenay area should consider this hospital their primary emergency resource.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency care, Inpatient hospital services, Outpatient clinics, Regional referral and specialist services, Teaching hospital with resident and medical student coverage, Bilingual care (French and English), Pastoral care services, CLSC-affiliated community health services.
Hôpital de Chicoutimi is a regional referral centre — if your condition is serious or complex, this is the appropriate facility for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Services are available in both French and English, so do not hesitate to request care in your preferred language.
Reserve parking spaces near the hospital entrances are designated for patients and visitors — look for marked patient/visitor spots rather than the employee parking structure.
As a teaching hospital, residents and medical students are continuously present alongside attending physicians, which can mean thorough assessments but also slightly longer processes.
Call (418) 541-1000 before visiting for non-emergency questions about services, directions, or to confirm specialty availability.
What to Bring
Provincial health insurance card (Carte d'assurance maladie / RAMQ card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
Private insurance information if applicable
Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
Comfortable clothing and a light jacket (ER waiting areas can be cool)
Snacks and water for accompanying family members or a longer stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hôpital de Chicoutimi emergency department open all night?
Yes. The emergency department at CSSS de Chicoutimi (Hôpital de Chicoutimi) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.
Is Hôpital de Chicoutimi a teaching hospital?
Yes. Hôpital de Chicoutimi has been a Centre affilié universitaire régional since 2004 and is affiliated with the Université de Sherbrooke and the Université de Montréal. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Université de Sherbrooke has trained medical students in Saguenay since 2006, meaning approximately 128 medical students are present at the hospital at any given time alongside residents in numerous specialties.
Can I be seen in English at the Chicoutimi emergency department?
Yes. Services at Hôpital de Chicoutimi are provided in both French and English. You may request care in either language.
Is there parking available at Hôpital de Chicoutimi?
Yes. On-site parking is available, and patient and visitor spaces are preserved near the hospital entrances. A large multi-storey structure accommodates staff separately. Parking fees may apply — confirm current rates on-site or by calling (418) 541-1000.
Does Hôpital de Chicoutimi serve patients from outside the immediate Chicoutimi area?
Yes. Hôpital de Chicoutimi functions as a regional referral centre for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Patients from Lac-Saint-Jean and surrounding communities account for approximately 10% of all admitted patients, reflecting the hospital's role as a hub for complex and specialist care across the region.
What amenities are available at Hôpital de Chicoutimi for patients and visitors?
On-site amenities include a cafeteria, an ATM, a post office, a boutique called La Marinière, and pastoral care services. The hospital also features a heated bus terminal connection for transit users. For the most current hours and availability, call (418) 541-1000.