Lakeshore General Hospital - Ashern

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a rural hospital, mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter for non-urgent concerns. For true emergencies, go immediately regardless of time of day.

Busier times: Without historical wait data, specific busy periods cannot be confirmed. Evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher ER volumes at rural hospitals. If your concern is non-urgent, calling the medical clinic line at 204-768-2461 before visiting may save you time.

About Lakeshore General Hospital - Ashern

Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern, Manitoba operates a 24/7 emergency department serving as the primary emergency care facility on Highway 6 for northwestern Manitoba, including remote communities up to 100 kilometres away. Originally built in 1961 and currently undergoing a major expansion adding eight new ED treatment spaces, the hospital provides acute care, diagnostics, and stabilization services for residents and travellers across the Interlake-Eastern region. Patients requiring highly specialized trauma, cardiac, or stroke care are typically stabilized here and transferred to Winnipeg facilities, which are more than two hours away.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care (26 inpatient beds), Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, EMS / Ambulance Services, Medical Clinic / Outpatient Services, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Services, Palliative Care, Hemodialysis (Renal) Program, Dental Clinic, Dietitian Services, First Nations Liaison Worker, Spiritual Care.

Amenities

• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Accessible restrooms
• Air conditioning
• Spiritual Care services
• On-site parking (free)

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Lakeshore General is the main ER on Highway 6 in northwestern Manitoba — if you are travelling north from Winnipeg or south from remote communities, this is your primary emergency stop.
• The hospital is undergoing expansion; expect some construction activity on site but emergency services remain fully operational.
• For non-emergency concerns, the on-site Medical Clinic and outpatient services may be a more appropriate option — call 204-768-2461 to confirm availability.
• If you require specialized services such as advanced cardiac, trauma, or stroke care, be prepared that you may be stabilized and transferred to a Winnipeg hospital — pack accordingly and notify family early.
• Remote community residents driving to Ashern should ensure your vehicle has adequate fuel, as the drive can exceed 100 km through rural Manitoba with limited services en route.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Manitoba Health Card / PHIN card)
• List of current medications including dosages
• Provincial health card or insurance information
• Any relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
• Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
• Warm clothing or a blanket, especially in winter months
• Snacks and water for accompanying family members
• Emergency contact information written down

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.