Centenary Hospital FAQ for patients in Canada

Centenary Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, inpatient admission, outpatient clinics, laboratory testing, and medical imaging to serve the Canadian community. Our emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is equipped to handle urgent and critical medical conditions. Inpatient services provide round-the-clock nursing care, physician oversight, and access to specialized medical departments for patients who require hospitalization. Outpatient clinics allow patients to receive consultations, treatments, and follow-up care without being admitted, and our diagnostic services—including laboratory testing and medical imaging—support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning across all clinical areas. Centenary Hospital is committed to delivering patient-centered care in a professional, respectful, and evidence-based manner, coordinating closely with primary care providers and specialists throughout the Canadian healthcare system.

You can schedule appointments at Centenary Hospital by calling the hospital directly, visiting the patient portal online, or speaking with your primary care physician for a referral. The method you use will depend on the type of appointment you need. For outpatient clinic visits with a specialist, a referral from your primary care physician is typically required, and your physician's office may initiate the scheduling process on your behalf. For diagnostic imaging or laboratory tests, your healthcare provider will provide you with a requisition, and you can then contact the hospital's central booking line to arrange a convenient time. Some services may offer online scheduling through a secure patient portal, which allows you to view available appointment slots, confirm your booking, and receive reminders. If you are unsure how to proceed, calling the hospital's main line and speaking with a scheduling coordinator is always a reliable option, and staff can guide you through the necessary steps based on your specific needs.

Visiting hours at Centenary Hospital typically run from morning through early evening, though specific times may vary by department; we recommend contacting the hospital directly for exact schedules. Different clinical units may have tailored visiting policies to meet the needs of their patient populations. For example, intensive care units often have more restricted visiting hours to allow for critical care procedures and patient rest, while maternity and pediatric units may offer more flexible hours to accommodate family involvement in care. Visiting policies are also subject to change in response to infection control measures, patient acuity, or operational considerations. To ensure a smooth visit, please call ahead or check with nursing staff upon arrival to confirm current visiting hours for the specific unit you plan to visit. Visitors are asked to practice good hand hygiene, respect patient privacy, and follow all posted guidelines to help maintain a safe and healing environment for everyone.

Bed availability information is managed by the admissions department and can be inquired through your healthcare provider or by contacting the hospital directly. Hospital bed availability fluctuates throughout the day based on patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, and is closely monitored by admissions coordinators and nursing supervisors. If you or a family member requires inpatient admission, your physician or the emergency department team will work with the admissions department to identify an appropriate bed based on medical need, unit capacity, and infection control protocols. Patients and families are not typically expected to check bed availability independently; rather, this coordination happens behind the scenes as part of the admission process. However, if you have questions about the status of an admission or anticipated wait times, you may contact the admissions office or speak with the charge nurse on the relevant unit for an update.

When preparing for hospital admission at Centenary Hospital, bring valid identification, health insurance information, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or test results from previous healthcare providers. Valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and your provincial health insurance card are essential for registration and billing purposes. A complete and accurate list of your current medications—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements—helps the healthcare team avoid drug interactions and continue necessary treatments. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or consultation letters from other providers, bringing copies of these documents can provide valuable context and prevent duplication of tests. Additionally, consider packing personal comfort items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, a phone charger, and a small amount of cash for incidentals, though valuables should be left at home when possible. The admissions team will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you may have about what to bring and what to expect during your hospital stay.

Yes, Centenary Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department equipped to handle urgent and critical medical conditions. Our emergency room is staffed by experienced emergency physicians, registered nurses, and support personnel trained in acute care, trauma response, and rapid assessment. Patients who arrive at the emergency department are triaged based on the severity of their condition, ensuring that those with life-threatening issues receive immediate attention. The emergency department is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including on-site laboratory testing and medical imaging, to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment. While wait times can vary depending on patient volume and the acuity of cases, our team is committed to providing timely, compassionate, and high-quality care to every patient. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to come to the Centenary Hospital emergency room or call emergency services for immediate assistance.

The hospital provides various diagnostic imaging services including X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to support patient diagnosis and treatment planning. X-ray imaging is widely used for visualizing bones, chest, and abdominal structures and is often available on a walk-in or same-day basis for urgent needs. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues and is commonly used in obstetrics, abdominal studies, and vascular assessments; ultrasound appointments are typically scheduled in advance and may require specific preparation such as fasting or a full bladder. Computed tomography (CT) scans combine X-ray technology with computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images and are used for a wide range of diagnostic purposes, from head trauma to cancer staging; CT scans are ordered by physicians and scheduled based on clinical urgency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate highly detailed images of soft tissues, the brain, spine, and joints; MRI appointments require a referral and are scheduled in advance, and patients must remove all metal objects before the scan. All imaging services at Centenary Hospital are performed by certified radiologic technologists, and results are interpreted by radiologists who provide reports to the ordering physician for review and discussion with the patient.