Fogo Island Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, early weekday mornings tend to be quieter at rural community emergency departments. Call (709) 266-2221 for guidance before visiting for non-urgent concerns.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available. As with most ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. Plan ferry travel in advance, as crossing times are limited, especially outside summer.

About Fogo Island Health Centre

Fogo Island Health Centre is a community-level health centre located in Fogo, NL, serving the 10 communities that make up the municipality of Fogo Island. Opened in 2004, the facility operates a 24-hour emergency department supported by on-site laboratory, X-ray, dialysis, and long-term care services, as well as Virtual ER capability connecting patients with physicians or nurse practitioners by video. As a rural, island-based facility, it provides essential front-line emergency and primary care; patients with serious or complex conditions may be transferred to James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander for higher-level care.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency department, Virtual ER (physician or nurse practitioner by video), Laboratory services, X-ray / diagnostic imaging, Dialysis, Acute care, Long-term care, Mental health and addictions counselling, Community health services, Urgent care.

Amenities

• Accessible parking
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and interior
• On-site laboratory
• On-site X-ray
• Virtual ER technology

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call ahead at (709) 266-2221 to confirm available services and amenities before making the trip, especially given the island's remote location.
• Always dial 911 in a life-threatening emergency — in serious cases, an ambulance can coordinate with the ferry service for transport to a larger hospital in Gander or Grand Falls-Windsor.
• Be aware that ferry schedules may affect travel time to the island; check MV Veteran crossing times before visiting, particularly outside of summer months.
• For complex or specialized emergencies — such as cardiac, stroke, or trauma — be prepared for a possible transfer to James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander, several hours away by road and ferry.
• Bring all current medications, health card, and relevant medical records, as specialist services are limited on the island and complete information helps staff provide the best care.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (NL MCP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• Insurance information (if applicable)
• Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
• Snacks and water for yourself or accompanying support person
• Warm clothing, as Fogo Island weather can be unpredictable

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.