Emergency Department
Meeting the Unscheduled & Emergency Needs of Patients
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.
Virtual Urgent Care
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) are pleased to offer virtual urgent care to residents of Ontario. All you need is an Ontario Health Card, email address, and access to a device connected to the internet.
Adult and paediatric appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can book an appointment by visiting UrgentCareOntario.ca or by calling 1-844-227-3844.
Virtual urgent care might be appropriate for you (or a family member) if you have a medical issue that is NOT life-threatening but requires urgent medical attention and you’re unable to access timely care through a primary care provider.
Important! In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your local 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.