Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre

Bell Island, NL · Emergency Department Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week. Primary health care clinic, laboratory, and outpatient services: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed statutory holidays).

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency

Last updated: recently · View all Newfoundland & Labrador hospitals →

About Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre

Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre is a small, community-level health facility located in Wabana, Bell Island, Newfoundland, serving approximately 2,800 island residents. The emergency department operates 24/7 and functions as a stabilization and transfer point, meaning patients with serious or complex conditions will be assessed and transferred to a larger hospital in St. John's when required. This facility is best suited for residents needing urgent or primary care, minor procedures, or initial emergency assessment on the island.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency and urgent care Stabilization and transfer for serious cases Blood collection and laboratory services Diagnostic imaging and X-ray Inpatient services Long-term care Outpatient clinics Minor procedures Palliative care Mental health and crisis support Addictions support (drugs, alcohol, and gambling) General community mental health services Primary health care clinic Community health services Family physician access

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Free parking is available on site. The facility features designated accessible parking spaces, a ramp, accessible entrances, and accessible interior spaces.

Bell Island is accessible only by ferry. Labrador Marine operates a car ferry from Portugal Cove Ferry Terminal to Bell Island Ferry Terminal, with crossings taking approximately 20 minutes and service beginning at 5:55 a.m. daily. There is no urban bus service on the island; local taxis are available and considered fairly affordable. Note that ferry service can be affected by weather conditions, which may impact travel to and from the facility.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, early weekday mornings tend to be quieter at small community ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider calling 811 first to speak with a nurse and determine the most appropriate level of care.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait time data is available. As a general rule, evenings and weekends may be busier at rural ERs. If you can safely wait, early weekday mornings are typically less congested.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre have a full emergency department?
Yes, the facility operates a 24/7 emergency department. However, it is a small, community-level ED. For serious or complex conditions, patients are stabilized on site and transferred to a larger hospital in St. John's via ferry and/or medical transport.
How do I get to Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre from the mainland?
Bell Island is only accessible by ferry. Take the Labrador Marine car ferry from Portugal Cove Ferry Terminal to Bell Island Ferry Terminal — the crossing takes about 20 minutes. Ferry service begins at 5:55 a.m. daily. Keep in mind that weather can affect ferry availability, which is important to consider in an emergency.
What mental health services are available at the Bell Island health centre?
The centre offers mental health and crisis support, general community mental health services, outpatient mental health services, and addictions support for drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Family physician access is also available for mental health concerns.
Is Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre free to use?
Yes, insured health services are provided at no direct cost to patients covered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP). Services are available to patients of all ages.
What are the hours for non-emergency services at the facility?
The primary health care clinic, laboratory, X-ray, and outpatient services are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on statutory holidays. The emergency department remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is the facility accessible for patients with mobility challenges?
Yes. The building features accessible parking spaces, ramps, accessible entrances, and accessible interior spaces, making it suitable for patients with mobility needs.

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

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

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