Get Medical Assistance Fast in Ottawa and Orléans — Before Waiting Hours in the ER

If you’ve visited an emergency department in Ottawa lately, you know the wait can be long — sometimes very long. New data from Health Quality Ontario shows that Ottawa’s emergency rooms have some of the longest wait times in Ontario just to see a doctor.

In September, patients waited an average of 3.5 hours at CHEO and Queensway-Carleton Hospital before their first assessment — the fourth longest wait times in the province. The Ottawa Hospital General Campus wasn’t far behind at 3.4 hours, and the Civic Campus averaged 2.7 hours.
Even after that first assessment, low-urgency patients spent an average of 5 to 8 hours total in the ER before being discharged.

That’s a lot of waiting for a minor health concern that could often be managed safely and effectively by a pharmacist or walk-in clinic instead.

Your First Stop for Minor Health Concerns — Centrum Pharmacy

At Centrum Pharmacy, our experienced pharmacists can diagnose and treat many Minor Ailments, prescribe medications, and even extend your chronic prescriptions — without you having to wait to see a doctor.

We make healthcare fast, simple, and convenient:

• In-Person Walk-In Clinic in Orléans: Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Virtual Walk-In Clinic: Monday to Saturday

Whether it’s in person or virtual, you’ll connect directly with qualified healthcare professionals who can assess, treat, and prescribe — often within minutes.

When to Call a Centrum Pharmacist

Your first call in a non-emergency should always be to a Centrum Pharmacist.
Our pharmacists can help with:

• Urinary Tract / Bladder Infections (UTIs)
• Pink Eye (Eye Infections)
• Hemorrhoids
• Mild Skin Conditions or Rashes
• Cold Sores and Mouth Ulcers
• Heartburn and Indigestion
• Sprains, Strains, or Muscle Pain

If your condition requires a doctor’s assessment, our pharmacists can seamlessly refer you to our Virtual or In-Person Walk-In Clinic — no long waits, no hospital delays.

When to See a Doctor Virtually

Virtual care connects you with a doctor through video, phone, or secure text — without leaving home.
You can see a doctor virtually for:

• Sinus, Throat, or Respiratory Infections
• Sexual Health & STI Screening/Treatment
• Hormonal Contraception & Birth Control Renewals
• Chronic Conditions & Medication Refills
• Mental Health Consultations or Counselling

Our Virtual Walk-In Clinic is available Monday through Saturday, providing fast access to a licensed physician anywhere in Ontario.

When to See a Doctor In Person

Our In-Person Walk-In Clinic in Orléans provides full, hands-on medical care for conditions that require physical examination, such as:

• Ear Pain or Blockage
• Abdominal or Digestive Problems
• Muscle, Bone, or Joint Injuries
• Clinic Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

When to Go to the Emergency Department

For true emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
These include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Profuse bleeding or serious injuries

But for most non-urgent medical concerns, start with Centrum Pharmacy — and save yourself hours of waiting in a crowded ER.

Save Time. Get Treated Fast. Stay Local.

With ER wait times reaching up to 8 hours for non-urgent cases in Ottawa, visiting Centrum Pharmacy can get you treated faster, locally, and at lower cost.
We’re proud to offer complete, comprehensive, caring, and connected care for every patient.

📍 Visit us in Orléans
💻 Book your virtual appointment

💻 Book minor ailment consultations
📞 Contact a Centrum Pharmacist today to start your consultation.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.