Emergency Department Wait Times
The Ottawa Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) team works tirelessly to ensure patients receive prompt, efficient care.
If you need emergency care, you should come to the Emergency Department. Upon arrival, patients are triaged based on the severity of their illness or injury. The most severe conditions will be seen as quickly as possible, while patients with less severe conditions may experience longer wait times.
Understanding wait times
Emergency wait times measure the total time spent during your visit to the Emergency Department and not the amount of time you wait to see a health-care provider. Your visit is measured from your arrival until you are sent home or admitted to the hospital. Depending on your health-care needs, your visit can be lengthy to ensure that you get the care you need.
Here are some important things you should know:
Arrival
When you arrive at the Emergency Department, staff will greet you, record your information and ensure your safety. If your condition is urgent, you will be seen immediately. Otherwise, you may wait until it is your turn for triage.
Triage
A nurse will quickly assess your symptoms, medical history and overall condition to determine urgency. Patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries are seen first, while others are cared for as soon as possible.
History
You will share details about your health background, such as past illnesses, medications, allergies and family history. This helps the care team make safe, informed decisions about your treatment.
Registration
Registration collects your personal details, identification and consent for treatment. This step ensures accurate records and secure communication across the hospital.
Testing
You may need tests like blood work, X-rays, ECGs or ultrasounds to help diagnose your condition. These results guide doctors in confirming or ruling out possible issues.
Medical Consultation
Depending on your needs, specialists such as cardiologists or surgeons may join your care team. They review your results and collaborate on the best treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Your team combines your history, exam and test results to determine the cause of your symptoms. They will explain findings, discuss next steps and encourage your questions.
Treatment
Treatment may include medication, procedures or urgent interventions to stabilize your condition. Nurses, doctors and other professionals work together to support your recovery while keeping you informed.
Discharge or admission
If you are well enough to leave, you will receive instructions, prescriptions and follow-up details before discharge. If further care is needed, you will be admitted to another department for specialized treatment and monitoring.
Wait times will vary based on a patient’s condition, and are generally divided into two categories:
High Acuity – Complex conditions requiring more time for diagnosis, treatment or hospital bed admission
These include a range of conditions from the most serious such as cardiac arrest, major trauma, or a potential threat to life or limb function, to conditions that can potentially turn into a serious problem without emergency intervention, such as asthma or moderate trauma. Some of these patients will require admission to hospital while others will not.
Low Acuity – Minor or uncomplicated conditions requiring less time for diagnosis, treatment, or observation
These include less serious conditions such as urinary symptoms, mild abdominal pain, a sore throat or chronic health problems.