HÔPITAL GÉNÉRAL JUIF

Best Times to Visit

About HÔPITAL GÉNÉRAL JUIF

The Emergency Department at Hôpital Général Juif (Jewish General Hospital) in Montréal, QC is the largest in Quebec at 6,600 m² and among the busiest in Canada, serving patients from across the island of Montréal and the broader province. As a major acute-care teaching hospital affiliated with McGill University, the JGH ED is equipped to handle the full spectrum of emergencies, from minor injuries to complex, life-threatening conditions. Patients are streamed at admission into walk-in and non-ambulatory pathways — including a Rapid Assessment Zone — to reduce wait times and improve care efficiency.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ), Adult and pediatric emergency care, Trauma and critical care, Cardiology and coronary care (18-bed CCU), Adult intensive care (36-bed ICU), Neonatal intensive care (40-crib NICU), High-risk obstetrics and birthing centre (15 rooms), Oncology — Segal Cancer Centre, Cardiac catheterization suite, 18 operating rooms and surgical services, Respiratory therapy, Blood bank, Psychiatry and mental health emergency services, Geriatric emergency and assessment services, Thrombosis and anticoagulation, Isolation ward (24 beds).

Amenities

• Food court in Pavilion K Agora
• Beso Prêt à manger (open on statutory holidays and Jewish High Holy Days)
• Gateway convenience store (Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm)
• Non-denominational chapel on the 6th floor of Pavilion B
• Multilingual support and sign language interpretation available on request
• Self-check-in kiosks in select clinics
• Wheelchair ramps, accessible washrooms, and elevators
• Volunteer services for patient and family support
• Smoke-free campus with designated outdoor smoking areas
• Valet parking service

Other Care Options

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Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• The JGH ED is Quebec's busiest — if your condition is non-life-threatening, consider visiting a local CLSC or walk-in clinic to avoid longer waits.
• At triage, you will be sorted into one of two streams: walk-in (ambulatory) or stretcher-based care. The Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) with armchairs is designed for lower-acuity walk-in patients.
• Valet parking is available at both the Côte-des-Neiges and Légaré entrances — useful if you are arriving with a patient who has mobility challenges.
• The hospital serves patients from across Montréal and Quebec, so wait times can be significant. Bring snacks, entertainment, and any medications you may need while waiting.
• If you have a complaint or concern about your care, the JGH has a dedicated Patient Experience office (ext. 23928) and an Ombudsman reachable at 514-340-8222 ext. 24222.

What to Bring

• Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of all current medications, doses, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or imaging
• Health insurance or supplemental coverage information
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Snacks and a water bottle for potentially long waits
• Comfortable clothing and a sweater, as ERs can be cold

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.