Labrador Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is available for this facility. Generally, mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays tends to be less busy at most emergency departments. For life-threatening emergencies, go immediately regardless of time.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods at Labrador Health Centre. Like most ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays often see higher volumes. If your condition is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, weekday mornings may offer shorter waits.

About Labrador Health Centre

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

Other Care Options

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

Tips Before You Go

• 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

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.