In 2008, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) introduced 'Access to the Best Care' (ABC), a
plan designed to ensure a sustainable health system that will better co-ordinate high
quality, specialized care for local and regional patients.

On April 4, 2011, some of the final elements of this plan are being implemented.
Beginning at 8 a.m. that day, the McMaster University Medical Centre Emergency
Department will become a children's-only service for kids and youth 17 and under.
Hamilton is one of the last regions in Canada without a dedicated children's Emergency
Department. After April 4, those 18 and older can continue to use the Emergency Departments at Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski
Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Emergency care and urgent care are vital services in any community. After April 4,
2011, the people of Hamilton and the surrounding region will have one more option.
An Urgent Care Centre will open at 690 Main Street West, just west of the 403. It will serve
adults and children who have non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

After April 4, 2011:

Children 17 and under requiring emergency department services:

McMaster Children's Hospital Emergency Department

1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, L8N 3Z5

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Anyone with non-life-threatening illness or injury:

Main Street West Urgent Care Centre

690 Main Street West, Hamilton, L8S 1A4

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

7 days a week

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's Urgent Care Centre

2757 King Street East, Stoney Creek, L8G 5E4

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

7 days a week

Emergency Department services for those 18 and over are located at:

Hamilton General Hospital

237 Barton St. East, Hamilton, L8L 2X2

Juravinski Hospital

711 Concession St., Hamilton, L8V 1C3

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

50 Charlton Ave. East, Hamilton, L8N 4A6

As a reminder, if you are on campus and facing a life-threatening emergency:

Call 8-8 from a University phone or call (905) 522-4135 or use the security button on any pay phone on
campus. Campus security will dispatch to Emergency First Response Team (EFRT). EFRT and Security will attend
and determine best course of action for next steps, including whether EMS is recommended or whether a visit to
the Urgent Care Centre or Emergency is recommended.

Also on April 4, the adult inpatient beds (with the exception of obstetrics) will move
out of McMaster University Medical Centre to Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton General
Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare. This will enable the consolidation of adult
inpatient services at fewer locations and therefore make better use of health care
resources – especially the medical specialists who are doing their best to meet rising
demands for their services.