Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a rural community health centre, mornings on weekdays tend to be relatively quieter for non-critical visits. Arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may result in shorter waits.
Busier times: No historical data is available. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher volumes. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider calling 811 (Nova Scotia Health Link) before visiting to determine the most appropriate level of care.
Sacred Heart Community Health Centre is a short-term treatment facility located on the Cabot Trail in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, serving the communities of Cheticamp, Margaree, and surrounding rural areas of Cape Breton. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is located at the side of the building, offering around-the-clock urgent and emergency care to residents and visitors along this stretch of the Cabot Trail. The facility also provides a broad range of community health services including diagnostic imaging, blood collection, a Diabetes Centre, and mental health supports, making it the primary healthcare hub for this Acadian coastal community.
Services & Specialties
Emergency Department (24/7), Blood Collection / Specimen Testing, Diagnostic Imaging — X-Ray, Ultrasound, ECG / EKG Testing (by referral and appointment), On-Site Laboratory Services, Diabetes Centre, Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services, Occupational Therapy, Public Health Office, Special Care / Coronary Care Rooms (2 rooms), Palliative Care Rooms (2 rooms), Telehealth via VirtualCareNS, Same-Day Primary Care Appointments (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.).
Amenities
Free on-site parking
Free public Wi-Fi (email wifi@cbdha.nshealth.ca for access details)
Chapel (located past the nursing station and patient lounge)
Patient lounge
TVs available at all inpatient beds at no cost
Bedside phone rental ($1.15/day)
Daily inpatient meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper; special dietary needs accommodated)
Private and semi-private inpatient rooms available
24/7 Mental Health Mobile Crisis Line: 902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167
The ER entrance is located at the side of the building — not the main front entrance. Look for signage along the Cabot Trail when arriving.
For non-emergency primary care needs, same-day appointments are available by calling 902-224-3110, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. — this can save you an ER visit.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, the 24/7 mobile crisis line (1-888-429-8167) is a direct resource available around the clock.
Free Wi-Fi is available, but you must email wifi@cbdha.nshealth.ca in advance to receive connection information — consider doing this before your visit if possible.
If you are travelling the Cabot Trail as a visitor, be aware that this is the primary emergency facility for this region; the nearest larger hospitals are a significant drive away, so don't delay seeking care if needed.
What to Bring
Nova Scotia Health Card (or provincial health card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical history documents or referral letters
Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snacks, warm clothing)
Phone or tablet charger (free Wi-Fi is available)
Payment method for any incidentals (e.g., bedside phone rental)
Parking
Free parking is available on-site at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre. No paid parking is required.
Getting There
Sacred Heart Community Health Centre is located on the Cabot Trail (Highway 19) in rural Cheticamp. No public transit serves this facility; visitors should plan to arrive by personal vehicle or taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emergency department entrance at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre?
The emergency department entrance is located at the side of the building at 15102 Cabot Trail in Cheticamp — not at the main front entrance. Look for ER signage when you arrive.
Does Sacred Heart Hospital offer same-day appointments for non-emergency issues?
Yes. Same-day primary care appointments are available by calling 902-224-3110, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a good option for urgent but non-emergency concerns and may be faster than visiting the ER.
Is Sacred Heart Community Health Centre bilingual?
Yes. The facility maintains a majority bilingual (English and French) staff, reflecting its location in the heart of Nova Scotia's Acadian community. French-speaking patients can expect to be served in their preferred language.
What diagnostic services are available at Sacred Heart in Cheticamp?
The facility offers on-site X-ray, ultrasound, diagnostic imaging, blood collection, laboratory services, and ECG/EKG testing. Note that ECG testing requires a referral and appointment.
Is there a mental health crisis service available through Sacred Heart?
Yes. A 24/7 mental health mobile crisis line is available at 902-429-8167 (toll-free: 1-888-429-8167) for anyone experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis in the region.
Is parking free at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre?
Yes, free parking is available on-site. There is no charge to park at the facility.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.