If you are in need of serious medical attention, please CALL 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Emergency care is available at all three of our hospitals 24/7
Emergency care is available at all three of our hospitals located in Oakville, Milton and Georgetown 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What to bring with you:
- All prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking (A printable Medication List is available in the Related Downloads section on this page. More information is available here.)
- Ontario health card
- private health insurance cards
- medical insurance information if you live outside Ontario
- any records you have regarding your health including allergies
When you arrive:
Our Emergency Department staff will evaluate your condition and prioritize your medical needs. Patients are seen on a priority basis, not a first-come first-served basis. This ensures the sickest patients get the care they need first, even though they may arrive at the Emergency Department after other patients.
Will you have to wait?
Our Emergency Department cares for people with a wide range of injuries and concerns. We work to treat patients as quickly as we can, however your wait time may be affected by other patients experiencing more severe conditions and the time it takes for diagnostics and laboratory results.
Patients are assessed and prioritized using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), based on the patient’s complaint and the signs and symptoms they may be exhibiting. For example, a patient experiencing chest pain will likely be seen by a physician before someone with a fracture or abdominal pain.
Emergency Department Wait Times
At busy times in our Emergency Departments, please expect wait times to be longer. Watch the video below to hear more from Dr. Williams, Medical Director, Emergency Department at Georgetown Hospital.
If you are admittedIt is possible that you may have to stay in the Emergency Department for observation for a short time or be admitted to one of our inpatient units. Once the decision to admit has been made you will wait in our Emergency Department until an appropriate bed is available for your hospital stay. Your care will continue in the Emergency Department until your bed is ready.
Possible FeesThe Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers most essential health care services provided to Ontario residents with valid OHIP cards. Canadian residents with health cards from other Canadian provinces are also covered. If you are insured in another province, we will process an inter-provincial claim on your behalf. Some health insurance plans will cover what OHIP does not. Read your insurance plan carefully to make sure you understand your coverage before you come to the hospital as we are not able to verify your private insurance coverage. Additional fees are charged for items such as:
- Semi-private or private inpatient room
- Ambulance
- Medical devices (including crutches and splints)
Non-residents of Canada as well as Canadian residents without a provincial health card will be billed for all services and items received, typically through two bills – one from the hospital and one from the physician who provided care.
Questions? Please contact our Finance Department accountsreceivable@haltonhealthcare.com or 905-338-4640.
Before you leave
If you are thinking about leaving before you are discharged by the doctor, please first speak with the nurse. Make sure you understand any follow up instructions that may have been given prior to your discharge.
Going Home: Transportation
Patients are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation when they are discharged from the hospital which can be at anytime. Please see Patient Transportation in the Related Downloads section of this page.
Know Your Healthcare OptionsThe Emergency Department is for urgent, immediate and unscheduled healthcare services and is one of several choices to receive the care that you need depending upon the severity and urgency of your condition. For advice on the right place to receive the care you need, please seek help through these sources: