When to Come to Emergency

If you are seriously ill or injured, or have a life-threatening condition, go to our Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency.

NOTE: People with worrisome chest pains, signs of stroke or severe breathing difficulties should call 911 for immediate care.

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.