Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 25+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
Labrador Health Centre is Happy Valley-Goose Bay's primary acute care hospital and holds a Category A 24-hour Emergency Department designation — the highest classification in the Labrador-Grenfell health zone. The 25-bed facility serves residents of central and coastal Labrador, offering emergency care, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, critical care, and diagnostic imaging. As one of three major hospitals in Labrador and a regional hub for a vast, remote geography, it is the appropriate destination for serious emergencies, trauma, childbirth, and complex medical needs across the region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Category A Emergency Department, General surgery, Internal medicine, Obstetrics and maternity care (two birthing rooms, nursery), Pediatrics, Critical care, Anesthesia, Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, mammography), Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech-language pathology, Major and minor operating rooms, Six-bed mental health unit, Outpatient clinics, Visiting specialist services, Family Practice Residency training (NorFam program).
Amenities
Accessible parking and entrance
Accessible interior spaces
Mental health unit (6 beds)
Maternity/nursery unit with bassinets and isolette
Contact hospital at 709-897-2000 to confirm cafeteria, ATM, pharmacy, and Wi-Fi availability
Call the hospital switchboard at 709-897-2000 before arriving if you have questions about services or need guidance on whether to visit the ER or an outpatient clinic.
If you are travelling from a remote coastal Labrador community, be aware that Labrador Health Centre is the regional hub — medical transport arrangements may be needed, so contact the hospital or your community health worker early.
As a teaching hospital, you may be assessed or treated by a Family Practice Resident as part of the NorFam residency program, with physician supervision on site.
Visiting specialists are available periodically rather than continuously — if your condition requires a specialist, call ahead to learn when relevant clinics are scheduled.
There is no public transit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; arrange a taxi (Cooneys Taxi: 709-896-3333) in advance, especially during evening or overnight hours.
For non-emergency concerns such as health promotion, youth services, or cervical screening, these are offered at separate community health sites in Happy Valley-Goose Bay rather than at the main hospital.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (NL MCP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Health insurance information (if applicable, e.g., out-of-province or travel insurance)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Warm clothing or a blanket — wait times can vary and waiting areas may be cool
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long waits
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of emergency department does Labrador Health Centre have?
Labrador Health Centre holds a Category A 24-hour on-site Emergency Department designation, which is the highest classification in the Labrador-Grenfell health zone. This means full emergency services are available around the clock with on-site physician coverage.
Does Labrador Health Centre offer maternity and birthing services?
Yes. The facility includes two birthing rooms, a nursery with five bassinets and one isolette, and a father's waiting and early labour room. An Obstetrician/Gynecologist is among the resident specialists on site.
Can I access specialist care at Labrador Health Centre?
Resident specialists include a General Surgeon, Anesthetist, and Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Additional visiting specialists provide services on a regular basis. For highly specialized care not available locally, patients may require referral or medical transport to a larger centre.
Is there a mental health unit at Labrador Health Centre?
Yes. A six-bed mental health unit has been constructed within the Labrador Health Centre Emergency department to support patients experiencing mental health crises.
How do I get to Labrador Health Centre if I don't have a vehicle?
Happy Valley-Goose Bay does not have public transit service. Taxi service is available through Cooneys Taxi at 709-896-3333. It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance, particularly for overnight or early-morning visits.
Does Labrador Health Centre serve patients from outside Happy Valley-Goose Bay?
Yes. Labrador Health Centre is a regional hub serving residents of central and coastal Labrador. Each Family Physician on staff is also responsible for the medical care of a community on Labrador's North Coast, and the hospital provides care across a very large and geographically remote area.