James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: Early mornings on weekdays (before 10 a.m.) tend to be quieter at most rural regional hospitals. If your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: Friday and Saturday evenings are typically the busiest times at emergency departments across Canada, and as a regional referral centre, James Paton can see elevated volumes on weekends and during adverse weather when surrounding communities face limited access to other care.

About James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre

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
• Central Northeast Health Foundation office
• Telehealth and virtual care services
• Accessible entrances and interior spaces

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• 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

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.