Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre

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.

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

• Common/family room on site
• Accessible entrances and interior spaces
• Free on-site parking

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• If your condition is life-threatening, call 911 immediately — the ER can stabilize you and arrange transfer to a larger hospital in St. John's if needed.
• Plan your ferry trip carefully, especially in winter or bad weather, as rough conditions can delay or suspend service and affect your ability to reach or leave the island.
• For non-emergency medical questions at any hour, call the NL HealthLine at 811 to speak with a registered nurse before making the trip to the ER.
• Primary health care, lab, and outpatient services are only available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., so schedule routine visits accordingly.
• Call the facility at 709-488-2821 ahead of your visit to confirm specific services and amenities are available on the day you plan to come.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence, passport)
• NL provincial health card (MCP card)
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Provincial health insurance or supplemental insurance information
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Snacks and water, as wait times can vary
• A support person if possible, especially if transfer to St. John's is a possibility

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.