Norway House Indian Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, early mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter at rural emergency departments. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available. As with most emergency departments, late evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. For true emergencies, go immediately regardless of time.

About Norway House Indian Hospital

The emergency department serving Norway House Cree Nation in Norway House, Manitoba operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing urgent and emergency care to a community of nearly 9,000 people approximately 456 km north of Winnipeg. The facility — now operating as the Kinosew Sipi Nanatawiwekamik Health Centre of Excellence — is the largest First Nations-controlled health centre in Manitoba history, offering a full continuum of care including emergency services, inpatient care, dialysis, diagnostic imaging, and a birthing unit. Patients requiring emergency care in Norway House or the surrounding region should proceed directly to this facility, which serves as the primary acute care resource for Norway House Cree Nation and neighbouring communities.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Inpatient care (12-bed unit), Renal dialysis, Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services, Birthing unit / low-risk obstetrics, Palliative care, Rehabilitation therapy, Pharmacy, Maternal health programs, Community health services, Jordan's Principle community and rehabilitation program, Physician education (University of Manitoba partnership).

Amenities

• Cultural hall
• Café
• On-site pharmacy
• Backup generator (5–7 days capacity)
• Sweat lodge (on campus)

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

• Norway House is a remote community — if you are travelling from outside the region, confirm road or flight access conditions before departing, especially in winter months.
• The Health Centre of Excellence serves a wide catchment area; arriving with complete identification and any relevant health records will help staff assess and treat you more efficiently.
• For non-emergency community health needs, the facility also offers outpatient and community-based services — ask staff if your concern can be addressed through those programs rather than the ER.
• The on-site pharmacy is located within the facility — if you require a prescription filled after your visit, you may be able to do so without leaving the campus.
• If you require transfer to a larger centre such as Thompson or Winnipeg, the ER team will coordinate medical transport — ask staff early if you believe a transfer may be necessary.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Status card or First Nations health benefits documentation if applicable
• Manitoba Health Card (PHIN card)
• Complete list of current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Phone charger and snacks for potential wait times
• Warm clothing, especially in winter months given the northern climate

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.