Eastern Memorial Hospital

Canso, NS

This ER is temporarily closed. Please check with the hospital directly.

Current ER wait · NS Health

Closed
The emergency department at Easten Memorial Hospital will be temporarily closed from 10 a.m. on Monday, April 27 until 12 p.m. (noon) on Monday, May 11. Virtual urgent care is available on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Hours subject to change.

24/7

Updated recently · All Nova Scotia hospitals

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. In general, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For non-life-threatening concerns, consider arriving earlier in the day or exploring virtual urgent care options through the ED triage nurse.

Busier times: No historical data is available for this hospital. As with most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher volumes. For non-urgent needs, avoid peak times when possible and consider calling the Canso Medical Clinic during weekday hours as an alternative.

Nearby Alternatives

Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital

Inverness · 102 km away

1h 30m

St. Martha's Regional Hospital

Antigonish · 84 km away

1h 15m

Cape Breton Regional Hospital

Sydney · 107 km away

5h 15m

Aberdeen Hospital - New Glasgow

New Glasgow · 132 km away

4h 23m

HÔPITAL DE L'ARCHIPEL

Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine · 237 km away

52m
1746 Union, Canso, NS (902) 366-2794 Hospital website

About Eastern Memorial

Eastern Memorial Hospital is a six-bed acute care facility in the coastal town of Canso, Nova Scotia, serving residents from Queensport to Tor Bay along the eastern portion of Guysborough County. The emergency department operates 24/7 on the main level of the hospital and provides essential front-line care for a rural catchment of approximately 800 people. Patients with complex or critical conditions may be stabilized and transferred to larger regional centres such as St. Martha's Regional Hospital, roughly 130 km away.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Virtual Urgent Care (for eligible patients 5+), Inpatient and Outpatient Acute Care, Laboratory and Blood Collection Services, ECG/EKG Testing (by referral and appointment), Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Well Woman Clinics, Mental Health Mobile Crisis Support (24/7 phone line), Water Testing and Specimen Collection, On-site Heliport for Air Ambulance Access.

Amenities

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Emergency Department at Eastern Memorial Hospital?
The Emergency Department is located on the main level of the hospital at 1746 Union St, Canso. Proceed directly to the department and ring the bell to alert staff upon arrival.
Does Eastern Memorial Hospital offer virtual urgent care?
Yes. Anyone over the age of five with urgent but non-life-threatening concerns can visit the Emergency Department and speak with the triage nurse to see if they qualify for a virtual appointment. If eligible, staff will provide the technology and a private space for a virtual consultation with a physician.
What happens if I need care that Eastern Memorial Hospital cannot provide?
As a small six-bed rural facility, Eastern Memorial stabilizes patients who require a higher level of care and arranges transfer to larger regional hospitals. The nearest regional hospital is St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish, approximately 130 km away. The hospital also has an on-site heliport to support air ambulance transfers.
Is there a mental health crisis service available through Eastern Memorial Hospital?
Yes. Nova Scotia Health operates a 24/7 mental health mobile crisis phone line at 902-429-8167 or toll-free 1-888-429-8167. This service is available around the clock for mental health and addiction challenges and may allow you to get support without visiting the Emergency Department.
What blood collection or lab services are available at Eastern Memorial Hospital?
Laboratory and blood collection services are available at Eastern Memorial Hospital, with the department located on the main level. ECG/EKG testing is also offered, but requires a referral and appointment — you can book online at booking.nshealth.ca.
What should I do if I need care but the Emergency Department is not available?
The Canso Medical Clinic, located nearby, is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment — call 902-366-2633. For any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 immediately.

More Emergency Rooms in Nova Scotia

Fishermen's Memorial Hospital – LunenburgGlace Bay Healthcare Facility – Glace BayGuysborough Memorial Hospital – GuysboroughHants Community Hospital – WindsorQeii - Halifax Infirmary Site – HalifaxQueens General Hospital – LiverpoolRoseway Hospital – ShelburneSacred Heart Hospital – CheticampSoldiers Memorial Hospital – MiddletonSouth Shore Regional Hospital – BridgewaterSt. Mary's Memorial Hospital – SherbrookeStrait Richmond Hospital – Cleveland

View all Nova Scotia hospitals

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 Nova Scotia health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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