When to Come to Emergency

If you are seriously ill or injured, or have a life-threatening condition, or have already tried to seriously hurt yourself or end your life, go to our Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency.

People with worrisome chest pains, signs of stroke, severe breathing difficulties or who are actively trying to seriously hurt themselves or end their lives, should call 911 right away.

For adults

While not a complete list, the following can best be handled in the Emergency Department (ED):

  • chest pain
  • difficulty breathing, unexpected heavy breathing or shortness of breath
  • severe bleeding or head trauma/injury
  • sudden onset of weakness, dizziness
  • mental health crisis or emergency
  • Car accident
  • loss of consciousness
  • sudden change in speech or vision
  • any type of severe pain

For children

While not a complete list, in addition to the above, you should bring a child to the Emergency Department if the child experiences:

  • high fever
  • persistent vomiting/diarrhea
  • will not eat or drink - particularly young children
  • inactivity, compared to usual activity levels

If you are coming to the ED, please bring your Ontario health insurance card.

Directions 

Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency Get Directions 
North York General Hospital, General site, 1st floor 
4001 Leslie Street, Toronto ON M2K 1E1
Leslie Street south of Sheppard Avenue East 
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Parking: If you are driving to the ED, there is a small short-term Emergency parking lot. The Emergency lot has a pay and display machine that takes coins and credit cards. There is a change machine inside the Emergency Department entrance. You can also use our Visitors' Parking.

Most seriously ill patients seen first

North York General's Emergency Department also handles non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. However, our ED does not work on a first come, first served basis. The most seriously ill or injured patients are seen first in our Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency. Learn more about Registration and Triage.