As one of Canada’s busiest EDs, Brampton Civic Hospital is no stranger to high-stakes situations, but Dr. Shira Brown, Corporate Chief and Medical Director of Emergency Services, thrives in this environment. “It’s intense, but that’s what makes it so rewarding,” she says.

This morning, Dr. Brown’s shift starts with a critical case—a child in respiratory distress is rushed in. Within minutes, the child is stabilized and breathing comfortably. By the time the family expresses their tearful thanks, Dr. Brown is moving on to the next case—a senior with complications from diabetes.

With more than 116,000 visits each year—an average of 318 every single day—Brampton Civic’s ED is always in motion. Patients arrive with everything from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions, and every second counts. Despite the immense demand, Osler has worked hard to improve emergency wait times. In 2023/24, Brampton Civic’s ED maintained an average Physician Initial Assessment (PIA) wait time of just 2.5 hours—far better than the national peer average of 5.4 hours, and well below both provincial and national averages.

For Dr. Brown and her team, that time savings isn’t just a number—it’s the difference between uncertainty and relief. “We know that when people come in, they’re often scared and in pain,” she says. “Getting them seen quickly means faster treatment, better outcomes, and less stress for patients and their families.”

Managing this relentless flow of patients takes adaptability, ingenuity, and calm under pressure. Dr. Brown praises her team for their resilience and dedication. “On what might be the hardest day of someone’s life, we have the privilege of being there to help,” she says. “That’s what drives us—making a difference when it matters most.”

Right now, Brampton Civic is home to our city’s only full-service Emergency Department. And as one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Brampton’s need for emergency care is only increasing. That’s why we’re working to build Brampton’s second hospital through the redevelopment and expansion of Peel Memorial. At its heart will be a new, modern Emergency Department, open 24/7 and equipped with the tools and space needed to deliver timely, life-saving care.

Your gift—whether big or small—will directly help to build Brampton’s second hospital and its new Emergency Department—and when you give today, Greenpark Group will match your donation. It will support your neighbours, your friends, your loved ones—and maybe even you one day. Because when the unexpected happens, we all want to know that the best care is close to home.