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Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (HSCM), located at 5400 Boulevard Gouin Ouest in the Cartierville neighbourhood of Montréal, is one of the busiest and most specialized emergency departments in Canada, serving over 63,000 patients annually. As one of only three Level 1 Trauma Centres in Québec and the largest tertiary university trauma centre in Montréal, HSCM provides comprehensive emergency, surgical, cardiac, and critical care for adults. Note that the ED does not accept children under 13, as there is no pediatrics department on site.
Services & Specialties
Level 1 Trauma Centre (one of three in Québec), Emergency and general medicine, Emergency detoxification for severe withdrawal or poisoning, Cardiac surgery including robot-assisted procedures (Da Vinci), Surgery of large intrathoracic vessels — provincial referral centre for thoracic aorta trauma, Orthopedic surgery, ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgery, Bariatric surgery, Cardiology, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and syncope clinics, Vascular medicine, Endocrinology and diabetes care, Pneumonology: COPD, asthma, sleep disorders, tuberculosis, pulmonary rehabilitation, Obstetrics and gynecology, breast clinic, Palliative care, Antibiotic therapy clinic, Intensive care: 32 individual rooms including 7 isolation rooms, Occupational therapy.
Amenities
Oasis Cafeteria — Wing H, 2nd floor, open daily 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wheelchair and mobility assistance available upon request
French-primary services with extensive English staff support
Bilingual signage (French primary, English in key areas)
Da Vinci surgical robot facility
4 research laboratories and 6 simulation and teaching laboratories on site
The ED does not accept children under 13 — if you are bringing a child under that age, go directly to a pediatric facility such as Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé instead.
HSCM is a Level 1 Trauma Centre and a high-volume regional hospital — for non-life-threatening conditions, consider a local CLSC or urgent care clinic to reduce your wait time.
The hospital operates primarily in French; if you prefer English, inform the triage nurse — extensive English support is available among staff.
Parking payment terminals are located at the Wing R entrance; bring a payment card or cash and check posted rates, as pricing is subject to change.
For mental health emergencies involving children or adolescents, patients may be referred to Hôpital en santé mentale Albert-Prévost — ask staff at triage about the most appropriate care pathway.
Visiting hours for general patients are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; birth patients and those receiving end-of-life care have unrestricted access.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Québec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
List of current medications including dosages
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
Provincial drug insurance card or private insurance information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Comfort items such as a book, headphones, or a light snack for extended wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal ER treat children?
No. The emergency department at HSCM does not accept children under 13 years of age, as there is no pediatrics department at this hospital. Families with younger children should seek care at a pediatric facility such as Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé or the CHU Sainte-Justine.
Is Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur a trauma centre?
Yes. HSCM is one of only three Level 1 Trauma Centres in the province of Québec and operates the largest tertiary university trauma centre in Montréal through its Integrated Trauma Centre (CIT). The CIT includes 32 intensive care rooms, 7 isolation rooms, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team of approximately 150 doctors, 500 nurses, and 25 researchers.
Can I be treated in English at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur?
While the hospital operates primarily in French, extensive English language support is available among the staff. Let the triage nurse know your language preference when you arrive and staff will do their best to accommodate you.
What cardiac services are available at HSCM?
HSCM is home to the second-largest cardiology team in Montréal and is one of the few hospitals in Québec performing robot-assisted cardiac surgery using the Da Vinci system. It also serves as the provincial referral centre for thoracic aorta trauma and offers clinics for arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, syncope, and vascular conditions.
How do I get to Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal by public transit?
You can reach HSCM by STM bus lines 117, 151, 64, or 69 — the closest stop (Gouin / Notre-Dame-Des-Anges) is about a 4-minute walk from the hospital. The Henri-Bourassa Metro station on the Orange Line also provides access to the area. Bixi bike-share and Communauto car-sharing are available nearby.
What is the history of Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal?
HSCM was founded in 1898 by the Sisters of Providence as a sanatorium for patients with tuberculosis, cancer, and disabilities. After a major fire, it was rebuilt on Boulevard Gouin in 1926 and became a general hospital in 1954. Today, after more than 125 years of operation, it is a major university hospital affiliated with the Université de Montréal and a facility of the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal.