Emergency Department

Emergency Department Wait Time Frequently Asked Questions

In the Emergency Department waiting areas at Toronto General and Toronto Western, a screen displays current wait times. The following questions and answers relate to the information displayed on those screens.

Definitions used in information about UHN Emergency Department wait times:

Patients waiting refers to patients registered to be seen in the Emergency Department waiting room.

Being treated refers to patients who, after registering, have been called to an Emergency Department bed and are being assessed or treated by a medical care provider.

How are UHN Emergency Department wait times calculated?

Wait Time is calculated based on the maximum time 4 out of 5 patients (80^th percentile metric) who are currently in the UHN Emergency Department will wait to see a medical care provider for assessment or treatment.

How am I assessed for my turn to be seen in the Emergency Department?

Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, each patient is assessed by a nurse using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). Patients in the Emergency Department are seen by a medical care provider based on that assessment. Patients are not seen based on the order of arrival.

A medical care provider will see people with the most severe and critical symptoms, illness, or injury first, regardless of who arrived first.

What should I do if my condition worsens while waiting for my turn to be treated at the Emergency Department?

If your condition worsens, please go back to the triage nurse and let them know.

Why are you displaying Emergency Room wait times?

Knowing the approximate wait time is part of UHN's commitment to transparency, reducing stress for patients and staff, and empowering patients on their medical journeys.

How often is the wait time updated?

The wait time information presented on this webpage is updated every 1 hour and may vary from the real-time information displayed at the Emergency Department.