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
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
Parking
The JGH offers underground, outdoor, and valet parking. A paid lot (hourly and daily rates) is located on Légaré Street between Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road and Bourret Avenue. Valet parking is available at both the Côte-des-Neiges and Légaré entrances. Monthly and bimonthly passes are available for immediate family members of hospitalized patients. Patients receiving radiation oncology treatment qualify for a discounted parking rate — validate your stub with the basement receptionist after each visit. Designated accessible parking spaces are available on-site.
Getting There
The hospital is accessible via two nearby métro stations: Côte-des-Neiges (Blue Line) and Côte-Sainte-Catherine (Orange Line), both within walking distance. STM bus routes 129, 165, and 166 also serve the hospital directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hôpital Général Juif Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes. The JGH Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and all holidays.
How does triage work at the JGH Emergency Department?
Upon arrival, patients are separated into two distinct streams: those who are unable to walk are directed to stretcher-based care, while ambulatory (walk-in) patients are directed to the outpatient stream, which includes the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) — an area with comfortable armchairs designed to improve flow and reduce wait times for lower-acuity cases.
What makes the JGH ED different from other Montreal emergency departments?
The JGH Emergency Department is the largest in Quebec at 6,600 m² and is considered the busiest in the province and third-busiest in all of Canada. It is located within one of Québec's most comprehensive acute-care hospitals, providing direct access to specialists in cardiology, oncology, high-risk obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, and more.
Does the JGH offer high-risk obstetric and neonatal emergency services?
Yes. The JGH is designated by the Quebec government as a provincial centre for high-risk obstetrical and neonatal care. The hospital has one of the highest birth volumes in the province, a 40-crib Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a birthing centre with 15 rooms and 12 antepartum beds specifically for high-risk pregnancies.
What parking options are available when visiting the JGH Emergency Department?
The JGH offers several parking options including a paid outdoor lot on Légaré Street, underground parking, and valet parking at the Côte-des-Neiges and Légaré entrances. Designated accessible parking spaces are also available on-site. For emergencies, valet parking at the main entrances provides the fastest access.
Can I get psychiatric or mental health emergency care at the JGH?
Yes. The JGH houses a full Department of Psychiatry through the Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry (ICFP), offering services for children, youth, adults, and geriatric patients. Specialized programs include services for mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma-focused therapy, and geriatric psychiatry.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 41 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.