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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
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
Does the Montréal Chest Institute have its own emergency department?
The MCI operates a Respiratory Day Hospital that includes an emergency drop-in and treatment service specifically for acutely ill respiratory patients. The broader MUHC Glen Site adult emergency department is also co-located on the same campus and is directly accessible from the MCI.
What types of respiratory conditions are treated at the MCI emergency service?
The MCI handles acute emergencies and urgent cases related to respiratory diseases including severe asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer complications, acute respiratory failure, and sleep disorders, among others.
Has the Montréal Chest Institute moved locations?
Yes. The MCI relocated from its historic address at 3650 St. Urbain to the MUHC Glen Site at 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1 in June 2015. The St. Urbain location is no longer operational.
Do I need a RAMQ health card to be seen at the MCI?
You will receive care regardless of insurance status, but if you do not have a valid Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ), your services will not be covered and you will be billed directly. Payment must be made before your appointment, so bring a credit or debit card.
How do I get to the emergency department by public transit?
Take the Montréal Metro or a commuter train (Saint-Jérôme, Candiac, or Vaudreuil-Hudson lines) to Vendôme Station, then follow the 35-metre underground tunnel that connects directly to the MUHC Glen Site main entrance. From there, follow signage to the emergency department.
Is the Montréal Chest Institute affiliated with a university?
Yes. The MCI is part of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), which is affiliated with McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. The MUHC is one of the largest academic health centres in Canada and serves as a major tertiary and quaternary referral centre for Montréal and Quebec.