12/30/2025
Quinte Health continues to experience very high, and increasing, patient volumes impacting Emergency Department wait times. Community members visiting the ED will experience longer than usual wait times, particularly for non-urgent concerns.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, we are here for you, and you will be seen as quickly as possible. For less urgent issues, wait times may be longer, and there are other care options that may be faster and more convenient.
What to Expect When You Come to the ED:
• The sickest and most seriously injured patients are always seen first
• Patients with non-urgent health concerns will wait longer
• Staff and physicians are working hard to provide safe, timely care to everyone who seeks help
Know Your Options for Non-Urgent Care:
Not every health concern requires a trip to the Emergency Department. Choosing the most appropriate care option can help you get the support you need more quickly and helps keep our Emergency Departments available for those who need urgent or life-saving care.
For health concerns that are not emergencies, individuals may receive quicker support through:
• Family doctors or nurse practitioners
• Health Connect Ontario (811) for 24/7 health advice
• Pharmacists – can provide assess and prescribe for many common conditions
• Virtual care options such as East Region Virtual Care Clinic
Visit Know Where to Go: https://quintehealth.ca/care-service/emergency-department/know-where-to-go/
