07/23/2026
Alert from Windsor Regional Hospital
Emergency Department Volumes At High Capacity; Public Asked to Consider ED Alternatives
Windsor Regional Hospital is seeing higher than normal Emergency Department volumes at this time.
We kindly remind our community that our Emergency Departments are here for urgent and emergency care needs. Critically ill patients are the priority. Patients attending the Emergency Department at WRH for non-emergency issues could experience much longer wait times than usual.
Both EDs at WRH are experiencing higher patient volumes. If your condition is not life-threatening, please check each organization’s Emergency Department Wait Time Clocks before deciding which campus to visit. The clocks provide estimated physician wait times and current patient volumes. Please remember these are averages only, and patients with the most urgent needs are always seen first.
Visit WRH’s clock here - https://www.wrh.on.ca/EmergencyWaitTimes
In an emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Alternatives to Hospital Emergency Departments:
It should also be noted, the public has an important role to play in helping to reduce hospital and ambulance wait times. For non-emergency situations, the public can phone 811, go to a walk-in clinic or make an appointment with their family doctor. More information about alternatives to the ED can be found here: https://wrh.on.ca/ED-Alternatives
Virtual Urgent Care may be the right fit if you or a loved one has a medical issue that is NOT life-threatening but requires urgent medical attention and you’re unable to access timely care through a primary care provider. Learn more and book an appointment here: https://www.urgentcareontario.ca/
Patients and families can also visit the Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team online - https://www.weoht.ca/resources/i-need-a-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner/ - for links to medical assistance as well as primary care and clinic options in our region and beyond.
If you’re unsure whether you require emergency or urgent care, please visit the Essex-Windsor EMS Make The Right Call web page at https://www.countyofessex.ca/emergency-services/ambulance-and-paramedics/make-the-right-call/ for helpful information.