Southlake Health’s Emergency Department wait-time clock is designed with patients in mind, providing timely updates on the estimated wait to see a physician. The wait times shown are estimates only and are not a guarantee of when patients will be seen. The figures are based on a statistical measure (average) of how long most patients wait.
Please note:
- Patients are seen in order of medical priority, not arrival time. Those with more serious conditions will always be treated first.
- Wait times can change quickly and unexpectedly due to new or urgent emergencies.
- This information is provided for general guidance only. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or seek assistance immediately.
What to bring: health card, current medications, relevant medical history, insurance details (including bed coverage information if admission is required), and a payment card.
What do the wait times mean?
The posted wait time reflects the estimated time from when patients are triaged to when they are first seen by a physician. It does not include the total time spent in the Emergency Department or time to discharge, transfer or admission.
How often are the figures refreshed?
Figures are updated every 30 minutes to provide patients and families timely information to make informed decisions.
Why do figures fluctuate?
Figures reflected in the wait-time clock could fluctuate due to an influx of critical patients, seasonal changes, or sudden high-volume incidents.
Why do you post wait times?
Southlake Health wait-time clock is designed to enhance transparency, reduce stress, empower patients, and enable informed decision-making.
Do wait times reflect patients arriving by ambulance?
Yes. The wait-time clock reflects all Emergency Department patients who have checked in or been triaged. This includes people who pre-registered, walked in, or arrived by ambulance.
Care alternatives: Patient seeking non-urgent care should consider the following alternatives to access treatment in the community:
- Central Ontario Regional Urgent Care Appointment Booking Portal
- Health811 Ontario (Formerly Telehealth Ontario) Service Free, confidential 24/7 access to registered nurses and other health professionals by phone (dial 811) or online via chat.
- Centralhealthline.ca Provides a comprehensive, searchable list of local walk-in clinics and virtual urgent care services, provided as a health and community service by Ontario Health atHome.
- Health Care Connect While not for urgent issues, the provincial service, Ontario.ca – Find a Doctor, helps residents find a primary care provider for ongoing care.
- Nurse Practitioner-Led Children’s Care Clinic Children and youth aged 6 months to 18 years. Appointments can be made through a central booking system. Referrals not required.
- Hospital for Sick Children
T: InfoMed Line (416) 813-5817 - Poison Control
T: 1-800-268-9017