Blind River District Health Centre

Blind River, ON · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After 10 PM, the Admitting desk closes — patients should use the Emergency Department's night entrance directly.

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Blind River

Last updated: recently · View all Ontario hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Residents requiring specialized or high-acuity care not available locally may be referred to Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, which serves as the regional referral centre for North East Algoma.

Health Sciences North - Ramsey Lake Health Centre

Sudbury · 151 km away

8h 29m

TIMMINS AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL/L'HÔPITAL DE TIMMINS ET DU DISTRICT

Timmins · 283 km away

7h 43m

West Parry Sound Health Centre

Parry Sound · 244 km away

3h 38m

About Blind River District Health Centre

Blind River District Health Centre, part of the North Shore Health Network, operates a 24-hour Emergency Department serving residents of Blind River and the broader North East Algoma region of Northern Ontario. The ER uses a Nurse First model, meaning patients are assessed by a nurse before registration, and the department includes two short-term observation beds and four acute care inpatient medical beds. As a small rural community hospital, it provides essential emergency and acute care locally, with transfer pathways to Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie for complex or specialized cases.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Nurse First triage model Short-term observation beds Acute care inpatient medical beds Diagnostic Imaging Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing Laboratory services Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) specialist consultations Rehabilitation services Oncology services (outpatient clinics) Diabetes Services Hospice Palliative Care Designated palliative care beds Long-Term Care (32 beds) Assisted Living Program Medical Transportation Lifeline program Meals On Wheels Priority Assistance to Transition Home

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Guest parking is available outdoors on site and is a paid service managed through the Admitting department. Specific parking rates are not published online — contact the hospital at 705-356-2265 for current rates before your visit.

No formal public transit routes serve the hospital. The facility is located on Causley St at Highway 17 in the east end of Blind River, near the intersection of Causley St and Industrial Site Rd, across from an Esso gas station. Medical Transportation services are available through the hospital for eligible patients — contact the facility or dial 2-1-1 Ontario for transportation assistance.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be quietest on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If your condition is not life-threatening, calling Health811 (8-1-1) first can help you determine the best time and place to seek care.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait time data is available for this location. Like most ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher volumes. Avoiding these periods for non-urgent concerns can mean shorter waits.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blind River District Health Centre Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes, the Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the Admitting desk closes at 10 PM. After that time, patients should proceed directly to the Emergency Department's night entrance rather than the main entrance.
What is the Nurse First model used at this ER?
The Nurse First model means that when you arrive at the Emergency Department, a registered nurse will assess your condition before you complete your registration paperwork. This helps ensure patients with urgent needs are identified and prioritized quickly.
Can I see a specialist at Blind River District Health Centre without travelling to Sault Ste. Marie?
In many cases, yes. The hospital offers Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) services, which allow specialists to remotely assess and consult with patients via video conferencing and tele-diagnostic equipment, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
What should I do if I need emergency care for a complex condition like a heart attack or stroke?
Call 9-1-1 immediately. The Blind River District Health Centre ER will stabilize you and arrange transfer to a larger facility such as Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie if your condition requires specialized care not available at this site.
Is there parking available at Blind River District Health Centre?
Yes, outdoor guest parking is available on site. Parking is paid and managed through the Admitting department. For current rates, contact the hospital directly at 705-356-2265, as rates are not published online.
Is Blind River District Health Centre part of a larger health network?
Yes. It is one of three sites within the North Shore Health Network (NSHN), which was formed in June 2016 through the amalgamation of Blind River District Health Centre, Thessalon Hospital, and Matthew Memorial Hospital in Richards Landing. Health Records for all three sites are managed from the Blind River location.

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 Ontario health data using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

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

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