As the busiest Emergency Department (ED) in Hamilton, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (St. Joe’s) provides consistent high-quality, compassionate care to more than 65,000 patients each year.  

St. Joe’s ED at our Charlton Campus was built more than 20 years ago. To meet the evolving needs of the community and keep pace with the growing demand for emergency care in our region, it needs renovations. 

What do the renovations include? 

The renovations will create an ED that continues to provide individuals with high-quality clinical care while enhancing the privacy of assessment spaces and reducing unnecessary waits. This will help ensure every patient who comes through St. Joe’s doors have access to privacy, dignity, hope and healing.  

The renovations are expected to begin late August and be completed in about eight months. 

The renovations will include:  

• A larger waiting area to accommodate more patients and families.  
• A new triage area for patients to streamline assessments and protect the privacy and dignity of our patients. 
• More patient assessment bays to expedite the time between arrival and diagnosis and reduce wait times. 
• A redesigned security station that will enable the ED to be safer for patients, families, physicians, staff and learners.

Where do I go for emergency care while the renovations are taking place?

The entrance for the ED will remain the same.  

While renovations are underway, the waiting area, triage, initial assessment and orders area will be moved across the hall from the current ED. Signage will be posted to direct patients and visitors.  

Click here for more information on your care team, preparing for your visit, registration procedures and after your visit. 

Will these renovations impact wait times?

These renovations will not affect patient care, and every effort is being made to minimize the potential impact on wait times. 

To our community, thank you 

St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation is working closely with our generous community of grateful patients, donors and friends to raise funds that will make these renovation plans a reality. To donate to this project please visit: Our Emergency Department is in need of Urgent Care (stjoesfoundation.ca) 

Questions or feedback

If you have questions about this project, please contact sjhhredevelopment@stjoes.ca. 

If you have questions or feedback about the care you or your family member is receiving, your health care team wants to know. Please don’t hesitate to initiate a discussion with your care providers who can respond immediately to your concerns and make changes. 

Visit our Patient Relations page for more information and if further assistance is required.