Jim Pattison Children's Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, pediatric emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings. If your child's condition is not life-threatening, calling Health Line 811 first can help you determine whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for this location. Pediatric ERs across Canada typically see higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and during cold and flu season (late fall through winter). If possible, avoid peak evening hours unless the situation is urgent.

About Jim Pattison Children's Hospital

Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (JPCH) is Saskatchewan's first and only dedicated maternal and children's hospital, located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon. The pediatric emergency department serves patients ages 16 and under around the clock, with specialized resources including Saskatchewan's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and dedicated mental health crisis spaces. Connected to Royal University Hospital and staffed by 16 emergency physicians with university affiliation, JPCH is the province's highest-level facility for critically ill or injured children.

Services & Specialties

Pediatric Emergency Department (24/7), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) — only one in Saskatchewan, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric surgery suites with integrated induction rooms, Mental health crisis care including a Mental Health Intensive Care Room, General pediatrics inpatient care, Pediatric observation unit, Maternal care: labour, delivery, antepartum, and postpartum, Pediatric cardiology, Pediatric oncology (cancer care), Pediatric gastroenterology, Pediatric cardiology and hearing services, Saskatchewan's first Pediatric Sleep Lab, STARS helipad for air ambulance transport, Pediatric transport team ambulance entrance, University of Saskatchewan teaching hospital affiliation.

Amenities

• Canada's first Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone (main floor)
• Mosaic Child Life Program
• Outdoor patient play area
• School room for inpatients
• Special family spaces on inpatient floors
• Saskatchewan's first Pediatric Sleep Lab
• Royal Express electric volunteer cart for navigation between RUH and JPCH
• STARS helipad

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 10 walk-in clinics in Saskatoon →

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

Tips Before You Go

• Park on Level P3 if you are heading directly to the Emergency Department — it provides the most direct access.
• A nurse at the front entrance will perform an initial assessment as soon as you arrive; be ready to briefly explain your child's symptoms right away.
• Bring your child's immunization records, a list of current medications and dosages, and any relevant health history — ED staff will ask for this information.
• If your child's condition worsens while you are waiting in the ED, notify nursing staff immediately rather than waiting to be called.
• If you enter JPCH from a Royal University Hospital entrance, look for the Royal Express electric cart — volunteer drivers can take you and up to three others directly to JPCH.
• JPCH is connected to Royal University Hospital via an indoor corridor, so inclement Saskatoon winters won't require you to go outside once you're on campus.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (Saskatchewan Health Card) or other provincial health coverage
• Photo ID for the parent or guardian
• Child's immunization record
• Complete list of current medications including dosages and frequency
• Any medications already given for the current illness
• Relevant medical history, allergy information, and past diagnoses
• Comfort items for the child (favourite toy, blanket, soother)
• Snacks and entertainment for potentially long waits, especially for accompanying siblings

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 Saskatchewan health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.