MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE - MONTRÉAL CHEST INSTITUTE

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 be less busy than weekend afternoons or evenings at most hospital emergency departments. For non-life-threatening respiratory concerns, calling ahead or using outpatient clinic options when available may reduce wait times.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods. As with most hospital emergency departments in Montréal, Monday mornings and weekend evenings typically see higher patient volumes. Avoid visiting during rush hour if possible, as parking and transit access near the Glen Site can be congested.

About MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE - MONTRÉAL CHEST INSTITUTE

The Montréal Chest Institute (MCI), part of the McGill University Health Centre at the Glen Site in Montréal, QC, is a specialized adult hospital dedicated to the investigation, treatment, and research of pulmonary and respiratory diseases. The Respiratory Day Hospital provides emergency drop-in and acute treatment services for patients with respiratory conditions, supported by intensive care, ambulatory clinics, and a multidisciplinary team including respirologists, infectious disease specialists, and physiotherapists. Adults experiencing serious respiratory issues such as severe asthma, COPD exacerbations, lung cancer complications, or acute respiratory failure are best served here, with direct access to the broader MUHC adult emergency department on site.

Services & Specialties

Respiratory emergency drop-in and acute treatment, Respiratory intensive care unit (ICU), Mechanical ventilation weaning and non-invasive ventilation, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care, Asthma diagnosis and treatment, Tuberculosis investigation and treatment, Cystic fibrosis program, Lung cancer diagnosis and management, Sleep disorder assessment, Pulmonary function testing including exercise testing, Neuromuscular respiratory disorders program, Quebec National Program for Home Ventilatory Assistance, Tobacco Treatment and Smoking Cessation Clinic, Respiratory therapy, Long-term respiratory care, Adult emergency department access (on-site, MUHC Glen Site), Medical imaging (on-site), Ambulatory and outpatient respiratory clinics.

Amenities

• Cafeteria on level S1 of Block C (Glen Site)
• Food and retail services within the Glen Site complex
• Bilingual services in French and English
• Wheelchair and stretcher accessible entrance
• Comfortable waiting areas

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• The Montréal Chest Institute specializes in respiratory conditions — if your emergency is not lung or breathing-related, the main MUHC Glen Site adult emergency department is co-located and accessible on the same campus.
• Follow the red ramp from Boulevard Décarie and look for 'URGENCE / EMERGENCY' signs to reach the emergency drop-off area quickly without navigating the full parking complex.
• If you do not have a valid Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ), you will be billed directly for services and must pay all fees before your appointment — bring a credit card or payment method.
• Vendôme Station's underground tunnel provides a convenient, weather-protected route to the hospital — a major advantage during Montréal winters.
• Patients are triaged by severity of condition, not arrival order, so those with less critical symptoms may experience longer waits — plan accordingly and bring snacks and entertainment.

What to Bring

• Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of all current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or imaging
• Credit card or payment method (required if no valid RAMQ card)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (waiting areas can be cool)
• Snacks and water 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.