Labrador South Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a small rural health centre, mornings on weekdays during primary care hours may allow for more coordinated care. For true emergencies, visit any time — the ER is open 24/7.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods. As with most emergency departments, evenings and weekends may see higher demand relative to available staffing at this small facility. If your need is non-urgent, weekday mornings during primary care hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) may be more efficient.

About Labrador South Health Centre

Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau, NL is a community-level primary and emergency care facility serving residents from Red Bay to Lance au Clair along southern Labrador's coast. Operating 24/7, the emergency room is staffed by registered nurses with expanded scope of practice and supported by on-site or virtual physicians, with specialist consultations available via videoconferencing. Patients requiring care beyond the facility's capacity are transferred to the nearest appropriate regional hospital, so this centre is best suited for urgent and emergency needs at a community level rather than complex or highly specialized care.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency care, Primary health care, Registered nurse and physician assessment, Virtual physician consultations, Specialist videoconferencing for emergent care and follow-ups, Basic on-site laboratory blood work, On-site X-ray with remote radiologist reading, Dental care, Ambulatory care, Long-term care (Level 3 and Level 4), Palliative care, Respite care, Essential medications supply.

Amenities

• Patient waiting area
• Accessible parking and ramp
• Clinical exam rooms
• Holding beds

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• This is a small community health centre, not a full regional hospital — for complex or specialized conditions, be prepared for a possible transfer to a larger facility.
• Specialist consultations at this facility are conducted via videoconferencing, so bring a list of your current medications and medical history to support remote assessments.
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays) is read remotely by radiologists at another facility, which may affect how quickly imaging results are available — plan for potential delays.
• Forteau is a remote community with no public transit; arrange your own transportation in advance, especially in winter when road conditions in southern Labrador can be challenging.
• If your situation may require advanced care, consider contacting the facility ahead of arrival so staff can coordinate transfer arrangements as early as possible.

What to Bring

• Valid provincial health card (NL MCP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• Emergency contact information
• Personal snacks and water, as cafeteria availability is not confirmed
• Warm clothing, as wait times can vary and the facility is small
• Any assistive devices you rely on (hearing aids, glasses, mobility aids)

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.