Emergency Department

Meeting the Unscheduled & Emergency Needs of Patients

Emergency Department

The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital provides a full service Emergency Department to meet the unscheduled and emergency needs of patients. Our hospital is one of the best performing hospitals in Ontario for ED wait times. With improvements to the waiting area, triage, and specialized zones where less urgent patients can be served, we provide faster service and improved care for our patients. With state of the art equipment and nurses and physicians with advanced skills in emergency medicine, the ED team at STEGH is here to make every journey through the ED an excellent patient experience.

 Visiting the ED?  What do you need to know?

Our Emergency Department has 3 zones.  When you arrive at the ED you will be assessed by a triage nurse who determines what zone you will go and see the doctor.  You may be asked to wait in the waiting room for the most appropriate bed to become available.  This means other patients may go in to the department ahead of you.

It is very important for our team to know what medications (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications) and dosages that you are taking so we can provide the very best care for you.

Access urgent care without leaving home

Online urgent care is available for residents in Elgin County. Appointment costs are fully covered with an Ontario health care.

Important! If you are in severe distress, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. If you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms worsen while you’re waiting for a virtual appointment, visit the Emergency Department.

Fit2Sit Program at STEGH

Because you arrive at the Emergency Department by ambulance doesn't mean you will be seen immediately. Fit2Sit is a joint program between Medavie EMS and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) through which patients arriving at STEGH by ambulance will sit in a waiting room chair upon their arrival - if they are well enough to do so. By being Fit2Sit, you're helping to:

  • free up stretchers for others in need
  • allow paramedics to return to the community faster to continue providing emergency care

STEGH staff will monitor each patient who is Fit2Sit while they wait to be seen by a physician or nurse. Patients are asked to inform the triage nurse immediately if their condition changes.

Items not allowed in hospital

Patient, staff and visitor safety is our first priority. The following restrictions have been put in place to ensure a safe environment for all. Items not allowed in hospital include: alcohol, knives, glass, firearms, illegal drugs, and fire hazards. Patients that arrive at the hospital with these items are asked to leave them in their car or advise a staff member immediately. Thank you for your cooperation. Click on the graphic below to see a larger view. 

HOURS

The Emergency Department is available for service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

CONTACT

For patient inquiries, test result inquiries and all general information please call switchboard at 519-631-2030 to be transferred to the Emergency Department.

Location

The Emergency Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital, North Building.