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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.
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
Is the Lakeshore General Hospital ER open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What communities does Lakeshore General Hospital serve?
Lakeshore General Hospital serves as the primary emergency facility on Highway 6 in northwestern Manitoba, providing care for Ashern residents and people travelling from remote communities up to 100 kilometres away, including First Nations and rural communities in the Interlake-Eastern region.
Can Lakeshore General Hospital handle serious emergencies like heart attacks or strokes?
The hospital can stabilize patients experiencing serious emergencies such as cardiac events or strokes, but patients requiring advanced specialized care will typically be transferred to Winnipeg, which is over two hours away. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Is the hospital currently being expanded?
Yes, Lakeshore General Hospital is undergoing a significant expansion. Phase one added 12 new inpatient beds for a total of 26, and a second phase will add eight new emergency department treatment spaces (approximately 5,400 sq. ft.), including a negative pressure isolation room, with a targeted completion in 2026.
Does Lakeshore General Hospital offer a hemodialysis program?
Yes, the hospital offers a Hemodialysis (Renal) Program, allowing some patients requiring dialysis to receive treatment closer to home rather than travelling to Winnipeg. Contact the hospital at 204-768-2461 for eligibility and scheduling details.
Is there parking available at Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern?
Yes, free on-site parking is available at the hospital, accessible from Steenson Ave on the south side of the facility. A new parking lot was also added as part of the recent expansion project.