Book a virtual Emergency Department appointment
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department (ED) is now available for same-day virtual appointments. Booking opens at 12 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please review this page to learn more about who should book a virtual Emergency Department appointment, how to book an appointment, and more. You may also choose to call our team to learn more about the virtual emergency department at 416-480-6100 ext. 3904 (phone line is monitored weekdays between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. If you're experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1)
How it works
If you are age 16 and up, you can now book a virtual appointment with a Sunnybrook Emergency Room doctor. You will connect with the doctor via secure video (Zoom) on the same day, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virtual appointments are available Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (including statutory holidays). Appointments are 15 minutes long and take place on Zoom. The online booking system opens at 12 p.m. every weekday. Booking closes at 8 p.m., or when all appointments are filled. If all appointments are filled, you can check for a virtual emergency department appointment at St. Michael’s Hospital – Unity Health Toronto or University Health Network (UHN) or SickKids (for those under age 18).
If you have a family doctor, please try to book an appointment with their office first. Many family doctors do have urgent virtual slots available every day. If you do not have a family doctor but would like to speak with one, please visit seethedoctor.ca.
Is a virtual Emergency Department appointment right for you?
A virtual Emergency Department appointment might be right for you if you are having an urgent medical issue that is not life threatening.
View a list of example symptoms and conditions that might lead you to booking an appointment for virtual emergency care »
- Bites and stings
- Body aches
- Rashes
- Skin infection
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus infection
- Fever
- Frostbite/cold injury
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nail infection
- Painless red eye
- Eyelid redness or bump
- Nausea
- Scabies
- Lice
- Sprains and minor injuries
If you are in severe distress or experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. If your symptoms worsen while you are waiting for a virtual appointment, visit your nearest Emergency Department in-person, or call 911 for assistance.
The virtual Emergency Department is not right for chest pain, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, stroke, in labour or ruptured membranes, neck stiffness/altered consciousness, inability to walk, or new neurological symptoms. If you have these symptoms, please go to your nearest Emergency Department in person.
The virtual Emergency Department is not right for opioid, benzodiazepine, methadone, suboxone, cannabis or stimulant prescriptions or renewals. Please see your regular prescriber.
By signing up for a Virtual Emergency Department appointment:
- You might see a doctor entirely online and not have a physical appointment.
- You might be referred to a specialist.
- You might be asked to follow-up with your family doctor (if you have one).
- You might be asked to visit your nearest Emergency Department in-person. Note: In-person visits to the Emergency Department are not by appointment. You will be triaged when you arrive to the Emergency Department and may have to wait.
To book a virtual appointment, you’ll need:
- A reliable internet connection
- An email address
- A valid OHIP card (and you need to be currently in Ontario)
- A quiet, private place to have a conversation with the doctor. Please wear clothing that will let you easily show the doctor the area of concern (for example, wear shorts if you will need to show the doctor your leg)
- A family member or friend to help translate, if needed
- A computer, smartphone, or tablet with microphone and video capabilities and the Zoom application installed
Request an appointment
I'm having trouble using the online booking system. What do I do?
If you are having issues connecting to the Virtual Emergency Department online booking system, you can call our support team at 416-480-6100 ext. 3904.
This phone line is monitored Monday to Friday, 1 - 9 p.m.
COVID-19 testing
Are you looking for a COVID-19 test because you have mild symptoms of COVID-19? Please book an appointment at our COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
Disclaimer
Just like online shopping or email, virtual care has some inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in this virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information. If it is determined you require a physical exam you may still need to be assessed in person. You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for attending the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed.
Recording your virtual appointment
The record function will be turned off on your Zoom appointment. If for some reason you want to record your appointment, it’s important that you talk to the doctor to get their permission. Let the doctor know that you wish to record and the reason why. In turn, the doctor cannot record the session in any way without your permission.
Cancelling your appointment
If you no longer need your virtual Emergency Department appointment because you feel better or you got in to see another doctor instead, please follow this link or phone 416-480-6100 ext. 3904 to cancel. This helps our virtual Emergency Department and our community by opening up your appointment to another person who needs to speak with a doctor.
