With an increase in seasonal viruses, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is managing significant patient volumes in all three emergency departments (ED).
All of our hospitals are safe places for anyone who needs emergency care. Our EDs remain open and our community has access to best-in-class inpatient beds, diagnostic tests, and ambulatory services.
However, we encourage community members to consider alternate options if their needs are not an emergency:
In the community
- Family doctors, urgent care, walk-in, or after-hours clinics
- Health Connect Ontario (call toll-free to speak to a registered nurse at by dialing 811 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007)
- For non-emergency medical care, visit the Central East Healthline website
At SHN
- Scarborough Virtual Urgent Care Clinic for adults and children over three months of age
- Kids After Hours Clinic for children that need direct access to a pediatrician to treat common medical issues – please note: our clinic has moved to online bookings
- Cold, Flu and COVID Clinic for medical assessments by a physician at our General Hospital, and a new dedicated kids’ clinic at our Birchmount Hospital
We thank all of our employees and medical staff, who are working together with a profound sense of service to others and each other, for enabling SHN to continue delivering exceptional healthcare to our community, and we thank our patients for their patience and understanding during this challenging time.
How to stay healthy throughout cold and flu season
- Get your flu & COVID booster vaccine – Go to your family physician or local pharmacist, or visit
www.scarbvaccine.ca for COVID vaccine clinics in Scarborough. - Reduce the spread of germs – Clean your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer, wear a face mask or covering, and maintain physical distancing if possible.
- Stay active – Bundle up, spend time outdoors, and take advantage of winter sports and activities.
- Eat healthy – Eat well-balanced meals to maintain good health and nutrition.
Have questions about vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and mpox (monkeypox), childhood vaccines, flu vaccines, or preventative health counselling? Speak with a VaxFacts Clinic physician today: www.shn.ca/vaxfacts