Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 25+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre is one of only two acute care referral centres serving the entire Central Health region of Newfoundland, located on the Trans-Canada Highway in Gander, NL. The emergency department operates with 24-hour on-site physician coverage and serves as the primary ER for a vast rural catchment area spanning nearly 12,000 square kilometres and approximately 89 communities — from Glenwood to Charlottetown and north through Fogo Island and Twillingate. Patients requiring specialist care across central Newfoundland are routinely referred here, making it the region's most comprehensive acute care facility.
Services & Specialties
24-hour emergency department with on-site physician coverage, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), General internal medicine, General surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and gynecology, Paediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Anesthesia, Pathology, Radiology and advanced diagnostic imaging, Cancer Care program, Diabetes Care program, Laboratory and investigative services, Telehealth and virtual care, Memorial University distributed medical education site.
Amenities
On-site cafeteria
ATM machine
Chapel
Quiet and family waiting rooms
Patient entertainment and communications system in patient rooms
When entering through the main entrance, follow signage and take an immediate left to reach the emergency department — security doors are located near registration but do not affect ED access.
If you are travelling from a remote community on the Fogo Island, Twillingate, or Eastport Peninsula areas, call ahead if possible, as travel times to Gander can be significant in winter weather.
There is no public bus service in Gander — arrange a ride or contact Busy Bee Taxi (709-256-1444) in advance, especially if arriving for a follow-up or non-emergency visit.
Cafeteria hours are not publicly confirmed, so bring snacks and water if you anticipate a longer stay in the emergency department.
As the primary referral centre for a large rural region, the ED can see high volumes, particularly during evening hours and weekends — consider whether a telehealth consult may address your concern before making a long drive.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (NL MCP card)
Photo identification
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Insurance information if applicable
Phone charger or portable battery
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times
Comfort items such as a sweater or blanket, especially if accompanying a patient overnight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the James Paton Memorial emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes. The emergency department at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with on-site physician coverage at all times.
What specialist services are available at James Paton Memorial?
James Paton Memorial offers a broad range of specialties including general surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, paediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, and cancer care, making it the most comprehensive acute care facility in the central Newfoundland region.
How do I get to James Paton Memorial if I don't have a car?
Gander has no public transit system. Your best option is to contact Busy Bee Taxi at 709-256-1444, which provides local taxi service to the hospital at 125 Trans-Canada Highway.
Is parking free at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre?
Yes, free parking is available on site. Accessible parking spaces are provided close to accessible entrances. Some designated spaces are reserved for specific patient groups such as cancer clinic and dialysis patients.
Does James Paton Memorial serve patients from outside Gander?
Yes. The hospital is a regional referral centre serving approximately 40,500 people across 89 communities, including Fogo Island, Twillingate, the Eastport Peninsula, New-Wes-Valley, and communities as far as Charlottetown to the east and Glenwood to the west — an area covering nearly 12,000 square kilometres.
Is there an ICU at James Paton Memorial?
Yes. An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is located on site at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre, supporting critically ill patients within the central Newfoundland region.