Current name, address and phone details for Kitchener patients

The name change can confuse patients because many people still search “Grand River Hospital.” The practical point is simple: if your paperwork says Grand River Hospital, KW Campus, WRHN @ Midtown, Freeport or WRHN @ Chicopee, match the exact location before leaving home.

Which WRHN location should you go to?

Do not use only the words “Grand River Hospital” in your GPS if your appointment letter names a specific campus or building. WRHN now lists several sites in Kitchener and Waterloo, and the right location depends on the service.

Appointment, referral and clinic booking steps

WRHN hospital clinics are not the same as walk-in clinics. Many services require a referral from a doctor, nurse practitioner or other eligible healthcare provider. WRHN says referrals may be sent by PDF forms, CFM forms through EMR, and eReferrals through Ocean for some services.

For a new referral

• Speak to your family doctor, nurse practitioner, specialist or healthcare team first.
• Ask which WRHN service is receiving the referral and whether any tests are required before the referral is accepted.
• Make sure the referral includes test results and documentation requested by the service.
• Keep your phone on and voicemail available because the clinic may contact you or your referring provider.
• Patients and community members should speak with their doctor or healthcare team instead of sending a specialist referral themselves.

For an existing appointment

• Use the clinic number on your appointment letter if you need to cancel, reschedule or ask about preparation.
• Confirm the exact location, floor, wing, entrance and arrival time.
• Check My Connected Care if you are enrolled, because it can show upcoming appointment details and instructions.
• Ask about fasting, medication, bloodwork, imaging, transportation and support-person rules before procedure visits.
• Call early if you need interpretation, mobility support, accessibility accommodation or help finding the right entrance.

When to call the main switchboard

• You know the service name but not the direct clinic number.
• You have old Grand River Hospital paperwork and need the current WRHN department.
• You need to be transferred to a patient unit, clinic, service desk or hospital department.

Emergency care, wait times and when to call 911

WRHN lists Emergency Departments at WRHN @ Midtown and WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd.. Emergency teams are open 24/7 for serious or life-threatening health emergencies. Patients are seen based on how sick they are, not simply in arrival order.

Important emergency notes

• ED wait-time clocks are estimates and can change when more serious cases arrive.
• If symptoms change while waiting, tell the triage nurse immediately.
• Heart attack symptoms should be treated as a 911 emergency; paramedics can begin care and take you to the right hospital.
• For stroke, remember F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
• Emergency mental health and addiction assessments are available through the Emergency Department at WRHN @ Midtown.
• WRHN is the region’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre, supporting people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence or human trafficking.

Healthcare services, doctors and treatment areas

The old Grand River Hospital search intent covers many services that are now shown under WRHN. The exact doctor or clinic depends on referral, urgency, test results, location and program availability.

Parking fees, passes, drop-off and transit tips

Parking costs depend on the WRHN site. If you have a long appointment, repeated treatment or a family member admitted to hospital, check daily and weekly options before paying repeatedly by half-hour.

Where to buy parking passes

WRHN lists discounted and program-specific parking passes as available Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Precise ParkLink parking offices. The offices are on level one of the Midtown parking garage and in the main parking lot at Chicopee.

Arrival tips

• Use patient drop-off first if the patient has mobility, pain, breathing or fatigue issues.
• For Midtown, public transit options include ION light rail at Grand River Hospital station and nearby GRT routes.
• For Chicopee, WRHN lists GRT route 27 near the site.
• Do not rely on street parking for emergency visits or long clinics.
• For parking questions, call 519-749-4300 ext. 2883.

OHIP coverage, room fees, bills and insurance

Healthcare in Ontario is not always “free” in every situation. WRHN explains that if you live in Ontario and have a valid health card, the province pays most hospital costs through OHIP. Some services, accommodation choices, ambulance charges, uninsured items and care for patients without insurance may still require payment.

My Connected Care, medical records and test results

My Connected Care is WRHN’s patient portal. It lets WRHN patients securely view much of their hospital health information online, including upcoming appointments, lab results, diagnostic reports and clinical notes.

Useful portal timing notes

• Lab results may appear after a short delay.
• Medical imaging reports may appear after a longer delay.
• Pathology reports may have a longer delay.
• The portal may show reports, but not always the actual imaging files.
• For older records or records not shown online, contact Health Records / Release of Information.

Visitor support, accessibility and patient experience help

Visitor rules may change by unit, outbreak status, patient condition, safety needs and hospital policy. Always follow the patient’s unit instructions first.

What to bring for an appointment or admission

• Ontario health card or other valid health coverage document.
• Photo ID with legal name and date of birth.
• Appointment letter, referral form, requisition or clinic instructions.
• Medication list, including dose and timing.
• Private insurance details if asking for semi-private or private accommodation.
• Glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, phone charger and essential comfort items.
• Support person contact information and emergency contact details.
• For surgery/procedures: follow fasting, medication and arrival instructions exactly.

Simple decision guide before you leave home

Google Map for WRHN @ Midtown former Grand River Hospital

Use this map for the main former Grand River Hospital site. For Chicopee, Queen’s Blvd., The Boardwalk or smaller WRHN sites, use the address from your appointment letter.

Helpful WRHN patient portal video

This official WRHN video helps patients understand My Connected Care, the patient portal used for records and appointment information.