Johnson Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a general guideline, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter at rural community ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, calling ahead at 204-642-5116 may help you understand current conditions.

Busier times: Emergency volumes at Johnson Memorial Hospital are known to increase significantly during Gimli's summer tourist season, particularly on weekends in July and August when the population of the area surges. Evenings and weekends year-round also tend to be busier. For non-urgent issues, consider visiting the on-site Medical Clinic during regular hours instead of the ER.

About Johnson Memorial Hospital

Johnson Memorial Hospital, part of the Gimli Community Health Centre, serves as the primary emergency and acute care facility for Gimli and the surrounding Interlake region of Manitoba. Operating 24/7, this 50,000-square-foot facility offers emergency and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, lab services, acute care beds, and a range of specialty programs including chemotherapy and hemodialysis. As a rural community hospital under the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, it is well-suited for most urgent and non-life-threatening conditions, though patients with complex cardiac, stroke, trauma, or pediatric needs may be stabilized and transferred to Winnipeg-area hospitals.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency and Outpatient Department, Acute Care (26 beds), Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Chemotherapy Program, Hemodialysis / Dialysis Unit (6 units), EMS and Ambulance Services, Palliative Care, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy Services, Medical Clinic / Physician Offices, Community Cancer Program, Adult Day Program, Spiritual Care, Rehabilitation Services.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy services
• Healing Garden with water feature, seating areas, and fire pit (year-round outdoor access)
• Offices of Seniors' Resource Council on site
• Provincial Department of Health and Family Services offices on site

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in Manitoba can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Johnson Memorial Hospital serves the entire Interlake region, and during Gimli's busy summer tourist season the ER can see significantly higher patient volumes — plan accordingly if visiting in July or August.
• For complex emergencies such as cardiac events, major trauma, or stroke, paramedics may stabilize you at Johnson Memorial before arranging transfer to a Winnipeg hospital — inform staff of any relevant medical history immediately.
• The on-site pharmacy can fill prescriptions after an ER visit, saving you a separate trip into town or back to Winnipeg.
• The Healing Garden, located on the site of the original 1939 hospital, is open year-round and can be a calming space for family members waiting during a loved one's care.
• If you are visiting Gimli as a tourist, bring your provincial health card and any travel insurance documentation — the hospital is equipped to treat visitors but having your information ready speeds up registration.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (Manitoba Health Card or out-of-province equivalent)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records or specialist letters
• Insurance information (for out-of-province or international visitors)
• Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
• Snacks and water for accompanying family members
• Warm clothing or a blanket, especially during Manitoba winters

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Manitoba health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.