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.
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
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
Parking
No detailed parking information is publicly confirmed for this facility. Patients are advised to contact Johnson Memorial Hospital directly at 204-642-5116 for parking availability, accessibility features, and any associated costs.
Getting There
Gimli is a rural community located approximately 1.5 hours north of Winnipeg. No scheduled public transit routes to the hospital have been identified. Most patients access the facility by personal vehicle. Those requiring regional transportation assistance should contact the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority or local community services for options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at Johnson Memorial Hospital (Gimli Community Health Centre) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Can Johnson Memorial Hospital handle serious emergencies like heart attacks or strokes?
The hospital's emergency team can provide initial stabilization and assessment for serious conditions including cardiac events and stroke. However, as a rural community facility, patients requiring advanced cardiac intervention, stroke thrombectomy, or trauma surgery will typically be transferred to a Winnipeg-area hospital with specialized services.
Does the Gimli Community Health Centre offer chemotherapy and dialysis?
Yes. The facility houses a Chemotherapy Program and a Hemodialysis Unit with 6 dialysis stations, which is notable for a community hospital of this size and serves patients across the Interlake region.
Is there a pharmacy at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli?
Yes, on-site pharmacy services are available as part of the Gimli Community Health Centre, so patients can fill prescriptions without needing to travel elsewhere after their visit.
What is the history of Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli?
The original Johnson Memorial Hospital opened on January 28, 1939, founded through a bequest from Bjorn B. Johnson and operated by the Sisters of St. Benedict. The current Gimli Community Health Centre opened in May 2004 after a major redevelopment, and was recognized as the most energy-efficient hospital ever built in Manitoba at the time of its opening.
Is there parking available at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli?
Specific parking details have not been publicly confirmed. We recommend calling the hospital at 204-642-5116 to ask about parking locations, accessibility spaces, and any fees before your visit.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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