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.
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.
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
Parking
A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre offers on-site parking with accessible spaces, a ramp, accessible entrances, and senior-friendly parking. The parking lot was upgraded in 2022. Parking appears to be free of charge based on available information.
Getting There
No public transit serves Buchans. As a small rural community, personal vehicle or ambulance are the primary means of accessing the facility. Patients travelling from surrounding communities should plan for a drive, particularly in winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the emergency department at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre in Buchans operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing continuous emergency care to the local community.
What is the Virtual ER at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre?
A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre uses a Virtual ER model to ensure 24/7 physician coverage. During a Virtual ER period, a health-care professional is present on-site while a physician or nurse practitioner connects by video to assess and treat patients. This is a standard model used in rural Newfoundland and does not compromise the quality of your care.
Does A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre offer chemotherapy services?
Yes, chemotherapy services are available at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre. For specific scheduling or referral information, contact the facility directly at (709) 672-3304.
What should I do if I need specialty care not available in Buchans?
If your condition requires specialist services such as cardiac care, trauma surgery, or other complex treatments not available in Buchans, you will likely be transferred to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor, which is the nearest higher-level facility in the region.
Are there non-emergency clinic options at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre?
Yes, physician and nurse practitioner clinics are held Monday to Friday at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre. These clinics are suitable for non-urgent health concerns and can help reduce pressure on the emergency department. Call (709) 672-3304 for appointment information.
Is parking available at A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre in Buchans?
Yes, the facility offers on-site parking including accessible spaces, a ramp, and senior-friendly parking. The lot was upgraded in 2022 and parking appears to be free of charge.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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