ⓘNS Health data feeds down since May 9. Showing predictions for NS hospitals.
Nova Scotia Health's emergency department wait time and closure data
feeds have been down since their
One Person One Record
clinical information system launched May 9. Wait times shown for NS
hospitals are now from ERstat's prediction model — NSH's data is
unavailable.
Closures are still being tracked by scraping NSH's public status page
directly, so closure information shown here should remain accurate.
On reduced hours
Fishermen's Memorial Hospital emergency department is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) daily from Thursday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 17. Virtual Urgent Care is available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily, even when the emergency department is closed.
Normally: usually 24/7
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Fishermen's Memorial Hospital is a 46-bed community hospital located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, serving the South Shore region with a 24/7 emergency department situated on the building's second level. As a community-level facility operating under Nova Scotia Health (Western Zone), it is well suited for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, general emergencies, and diagnostic services including laboratory and imaging. Patients requiring advanced trauma care, cardiac surgery, or specialized pediatric services may be referred to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, approximately 22 km away.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Inpatient care (46 beds), Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging, Pharmacy, Ambulatory care, Bone densitometry, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental health and addictions services, Diabetes education, Veterans Unit, Recovery Support Centre, Outpatient Withdrawal Management program, Blood collection (by appointment), Virtual Urgent Care.
Amenities
Cafeteria open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (closed weekends and holidays)
Vending machines located next to the cafeteria entrance
Gift shop at the main entrance, open Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ATM and change machine on the main level near the cafeteria
Veterans' Memorial Chapel on the main level, open to the public
Free WiFi available in select areas of the building
Quiet rooms and solariums available for families and visitors
On-site pharmacy
Clinical dietitian available for patients with special dietary needs or food allergies
The emergency department is located on the second level of the hospital — follow signage from the main entrance upon arrival.
Walk-ins only: ER visits cannot be booked in advance. Blood collection, however, does require an appointment — call 902-634-8801 to schedule.
For conditions beyond the scope of this community facility, South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater (approx. 22 km) provides higher-level specialty care including more advanced diagnostic and surgical services.
If your situation is non-emergency and time permits, consider using the Virtual Urgent Care option available through Nova Scotia Health to potentially avoid an in-person ER visit.
The cafeteria is only open on weekdays until 1:30 p.m. If you anticipate a longer visit, bring snacks and drinks, or use the vending machines located near the cafeteria entrance.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Nova Scotia MSI card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, doses, and prescribing doctors
Any relevant medical records or referral documents
Insurance information if applicable
Comfort items for a potential wait (book, phone charger, headphones)
Snacks and water, especially for evening or weekend visits when the cafeteria is closed
Emergency contact information written down or easily accessible on your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the emergency department located within Fishermen's Memorial Hospital?
The emergency department is on the second level of the hospital at 14 High Street, Lunenburg. Follow signage from the main entrance to reach the ED.
Does Fishermen's Memorial Hospital have a trauma centre or specialized cardiac unit?
No. Fishermen's Memorial is a community-level hospital and does not have a designated trauma centre or cardiac surgery unit. Patients requiring those higher-level services are typically referred to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, about 22 km away.
Can I book an appointment at the emergency department in advance?
No — the emergency department is walk-in only and does not accept advance appointments. However, blood collection services at the hospital do require an appointment; call 902-634-8801 to book.
Is virtual urgent care available through Fishermen's Memorial Hospital?
Yes. Virtual Urgent Care is available as an alternative for patients whose conditions may not require an in-person emergency visit. This can be a convenient option for residents of Lunenburg and the surrounding area.
What mental health and addiction services are available at this hospital?
Fishermen's Memorial Hospital offers mental health and addictions services, an on-site Recovery Support Centre providing education, harm reduction, and individual and group treatment, as well as an Outpatient Withdrawal Management program for people dealing with substance use or gambling concerns.
Is Fishermen's Memorial Hospital part of a larger health authority?
Yes. The hospital operates under Nova Scotia Health (Western Zone). Fishermen's Memorial and South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater have shared a Board of Directors since 1992, working together to provide coordinated health services across the South Shore region.