Sacred Heart Hospital

Best Times to Visit

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.

About Sacred Heart

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

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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

Tips Before You Go

• 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)

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 Nova Scotia health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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