Emergency Department Capacity

Ontarians are entitled to safe, reliable, appropriate and high-quality care when they visit an emergency department. Timely access to care can significantly improve a patient’s experience which is why reducing emergency department wait times is one of Ontario’s top health care priorities.

Experience tells us that a backlog in one area of the health system can result in delays in other areas. To achieve shorter emergency department wait times, LHIN’s need to improve the efficiency of care delivery across the entire system. We also know that patients with non-urgent or less urgent needs account for about half of all emergency department visits; we need to look at ways to build capacity within the community so people can access appropriate care outside emergency departments. LHINs are working with health service providers to meet provincial targets, and all LHINs publicly report emergency department wait times.

To learn more about how emergency department capacity is a priority at the HNHB LHIN, please use the buttons below.