Russell Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for Russell Health Centre. As a rural community hospital, wait times are generally shorter than large urban ERs. Mid-morning on weekdays is typically a quieter period at rural facilities. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day may mean a shorter wait.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify peak periods at this facility. Like most ERs, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays may see higher volumes. If your condition is not an emergency, consider calling Health Links (1-888-315-9257) to explore non-emergency options.

About Russell Health Centre

Russell Health Centre is a 32-bed acute care facility located at 426 Alexandria Ave in Russell, Manitoba, operated by Prairie Mountain Health. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves as the primary emergency care destination for Russell and a surrounding regional population of over 13,000 people near the Manitoba–Saskatchewan border. Patients with complex emergencies such as major trauma or cardiac surgery may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre, making this ER best suited for urgent and acute care needs across a broad rural catchment area.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute inpatient care, Palliative care, Rehabilitation services, Community Cancer Program (expanded facility), Hemodialysis (Manitoba Renal Program site), Diagnostic imaging (X-ray), On-site laboratory services, Mental health services, Home care coordination, EMS and on-site ambulance station, Telehealth/virtual appointments, Naloxone and harm reduction services (co-located Health Unit), STI/HIV testing (co-located Health Unit), Pregnancy testing (co-located Health Unit).

Amenities

• Wheelchair-accessible main floor entrance
• Automatic entrance doors
• Designated accessible/handicap parking at front entrance
• On-site laboratory
• On-site X-ray/diagnostic imaging
• Co-located Health Unit with harm reduction and health services
• Telehealth services for virtual appointments
• Nearby community pharmacy: Reavie's Pharmacy Ltd. (204-773-2244)

Other Care Options

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

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Tips Before You Go

• Russell Health Centre is the only acute care emergency department in the immediate region — if you are unsure whether your condition requires emergency care, call Health Links at 204-788-8200 (toll-free 1-888-315-9257) for guidance before driving in.
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 — the on-site ambulance station means EMS response is closely integrated with the ER.
• If you require specialized services such as cardiac surgery, advanced stroke intervention, or major trauma care, the ER team can stabilize you and arrange transfer to a larger regional centre — do not delay coming in.
• The co-located Health Unit on site offers additional services including naloxone, STI testing, and pregnancy testing — these do not require an ER visit.
• If you need a prescription filled after your ER visit, Reavie's Pharmacy Ltd. is available in the community at 204-773-2244 — confirm hours before visiting.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Manitoba driver's licence)
• Manitoba Health Card (PHIN card)
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or previous test results
• Provincial health coverage information or private insurance details if applicable
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Comfort items such as a book, snack, or blanket, especially if travelling from a remote community

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.