HÔPITAL LAVAL

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to see lighter emergency department traffic at most hospitals. As a specialized tertiary centre, patient volume here is often driven by referrals rather than walk-in traffic, so arrival timing may matter less than at general community ERs.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available for this location. As with most hospital emergency departments, Monday mornings and evenings after family doctor offices close (typically after 5:00 p.m.) tend to be busier. Weekend evenings may also see higher volumes.

About HÔPITAL LAVAL

The emergency department at Hôpital Laval (IUCPQ — Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec) in Sainte-Foy, QC, is a tertiary and quaternary care facility recognized as Canada's foremost centre for cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Serving a catchment area of over three million people across eastern Quebec, this university-affiliated hospital delivers specialized and ultra-specialized emergency care with particular expertise in cardiology, pneumology, and obesity-related conditions. Patients requiring highly specialized cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic care are best served here, while those with general unrelated emergencies may be redirected to other Quebec City area hospitals.

Services & Specialties

Specialized cardiac emergency care, Pulmonary (pneumologie) emergency care, Obesity and bariatric medicine, Cardiac transplantation program, Echocardiography (general and transvaginal), Electrocardiography (ECG), Minor surgery, Endoscopy and digestive endoscopy, Ultrasound imaging, Circulatory and cardiovascular imaging, Cardiac valve disease management, Metabolic cardiology, Palliative and end-of-life care, Home care coordination, Bariatric surgery (since 1981), Cardiac disease prevention (PPMC pavilion), Oncology liaison nursing, Bilingual services (French and English).

Amenities

• Cafeteria 'L'Intermed' (1st floor, Mallet Pavilion) — open daily 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Vending machines available after cafeteria hours
• National Bank ATM in corridor L1500, near La Coccinelle boutique
• Convenience boutique 'La Coccinelle' (Ladybug)
• Post office near main entrance of Central Pavilion — Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Chapel on site
• Bedside TV and internet rental via HealthHub (connectemonlit.ca)
• On-site Hôtellerie accommodation connected via 120-metre indoor tunnel
• Oncology liaison nurse for cancer patients

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• This ER specializes in cardiac, pulmonary, and obesity-related conditions — if your emergency is unrelated to these areas, consider calling 811 (Info-Santé) first to confirm this is the right facility for your needs.
• If you are traveling from outside Quebec City, take advantage of the on-site Hôtellerie accommodation, which connects directly to the hospital via a 120-metre indoor tunnel — ideal for family members accompanying patients.
• Arrive by RTC bus lines 13, 22, 801, or 807 to avoid parking costs; the nearest stops are only a 3-minute walk from the entrance.
• The hospital offers bilingual services in both French and English — do not hesitate to request English-language care or documentation if needed.
• If you need cash on site, a National Bank ATM is available in corridor L1500 near the La Coccinelle boutique, across from the digestive endoscopy unit.

What to Bring

• Valid 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, recent test results, or specialist referral letters
• Provincial drug insurance card or private insurance information
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — hospital waiting areas can be cool
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Snacks and a water bottle for accompanying family members

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.