HÔPITAL GÉNÉRAL DE MONTRÉAL

Best Times to Visit

About HÔPITAL GÉNÉRAL DE MONTRÉAL

The Hôpital Général de Montréal (Montreal General Hospital) emergency department is a provincially designated Level I trauma centre located at 1650 Avenue Cedar in Montréal, QC — one of only three such centres in Quebec. As part of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), this 533-bed tertiary care academic hospital offers 24/7 emergency services including trauma care, psychiatric emergencies, and a short-stay unit. Patients with complex, serious, or traumatic injuries from across the region are routinely referred here for specialist and multidisciplinary care.

Services & Specialties

Level I Trauma Centre (provincially designated), Tertiary emergency care, Psychiatric emergency department, Short-stay unit, Geriatric medicine consultation and emergency support, Specialist and multidisciplinary consultations, Bilingual services (English and French), Indigenous patient support with welcome materials in Inuktitut, Cree, English, and French, Outpatient Day Hospital rehabilitation program.

Amenities

• Free public Wi-Fi (network: CUSM-MUHC-PUBLIC, Username: public / Password: wifi)
• 2 ATMs on-site (one located on the 1st floor at the Pine Ave. entrance)
• Day Hospital outpatient rehabilitation program
• Valet parking service (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.)
• Social Services department (assistance with accommodation for out-of-town families)
• Overnight reclining chair available for family members staying with patients

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Enter the Emergency Department from Pine Avenue — the ED entrance and closest parking are on that side of the building, not Cedar Ave.
• Patients are triaged by severity of condition, not arrival order. If your condition is serious or worsening, alert staff immediately.
• As a Level I trauma and tertiary referral centre, this ED treats the most complex cases in Quebec — for minor ailments, a local walk-in clinic may result in a shorter wait.
• The hospital is bilingual. Staff can serve you in both English and French, and Indigenous patients can request a welcome guide in Inuktitut or Cree.
• If you're a Quebec resident with a valid Medicare card (RAMQ), most emergency and hospital services are fully covered — bring your card to expedite registration.
• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the MUHC network — connect to CUSM-MUHC-PUBLIC (Username: public / Password: wifi) while waiting.

What to Bring

• Quebec Medicare card (RAMQ card) or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, recent lab results, or referral letters
• Health insurance information (for non-Quebec residents or private coverage)
• Payment method for any non-covered costs (cash, credit, or debit accepted)
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — emergency waiting areas can be cool
• Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long wait times

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.