a.m. Guy Memorial Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is available for this facility. As a small rural emergency department, early mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter. Calling 811 first can help you determine urgency and plan your visit accordingly.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify peak periods. As with most emergency departments, evenings and weekends may see higher demand. For non-urgent concerns, consider calling 811 or attending weekday nurse practitioner or physician clinics instead.

About a.m. Guy Memorial Health Centre

A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre, located at 15 Water Street in Buchans, NL, is the only health-care facility serving Buchans and its surrounding rural communities of approximately 800 residents. The centre provides 24-hour emergency services, acute care, long-term care, and a broad range of outpatient services for a small but geographically isolated population in central Newfoundland. Patients requiring higher-level specialty care such as cardiac, trauma, or complex surgical services are typically transferred to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency department, 24-hour ambulance service, Acute care (2 beds), Long-term care (18 beds), Palliative care (1 bed), Outpatient services, Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray with PACS), Chemotherapy, Physician and nurse practitioner clinics (Monday to Friday), Telehealth and Virtual ER capability, Bowel cancer screening program, Pre-admission clinic, Pastoral care, Visiting social worker services, Visiting dietitian services, Visiting rehabilitative services, Continuing Care Nurse Coordinator services.

Amenities

• Visiting hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Facility open 24 hours
• Accessible parking and entrance
• Telehealth technology available

Other Care Options

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

Pharmacists in Newfoundland & Labrador 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

• Call 811 (NL HealthLine) before visiting to speak with a registered nurse who can help you decide if an ER visit is necessary.
• A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre uses a Virtual ER model at times, meaning a physician or nurse practitioner may assess you by video with a health-care professional present on-site — this is normal and does not affect the quality of your care.
• For conditions requiring specialized care such as cardiac emergencies, major trauma, or complex surgery, you may be transferred to Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor — be prepared for a possible transfer.
• Physician and nurse practitioner clinics are available Monday to Friday for non-emergency concerns, which can help you avoid an ER visit for routine issues.
• Given the remote location, ensure your vehicle is fuelled and winter-ready if travelling to the facility during Newfoundland's harsh winter months, and allow extra travel time in poor conditions.

What to Bring

• Valid provincial health card (MCP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• Emergency contact information
• Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snacks, warm clothing)
• Payment method in case any non-insured services are required

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 Newfoundland & Labrador health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.