Dryden Regional Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy than evenings, weekends, or Monday mornings. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available. Emergency departments in smaller regional hospitals often see increased volumes on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Monday mornings. Statutory holidays can also bring higher patient volumes. For non-urgent issues, consider contacting the Dryden Area Family Health Team for an appointment.

About Dryden Regional Health Centre

Dryden Regional Health Centre is a 42-bed acute care facility located at 58 Goodall St in Dryden, Ontario, serving patients across the Kenora District and Northwestern Ontario. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with on-site physician and nursing coverage and access to diagnostic imaging, CT, laboratory services, and a broad range of visiting specialists. Patients with complex or life-threatening conditions who require higher-level care are transferred via ORNGE air ambulance to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oncology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Counselling, Crisis Response Services, Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray, CT, Ultrasound), Laboratory Services, Fracture Clinic, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Urology, Telestroke Program, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services, Total Knee Replacement Post-Operative Exercise Classes, Visiting Specialist Rapid Access Clinic, ORNGE Air Ambulance Transfer Access.

Amenities

• On-site cafeteria (hours may vary — call ahead to confirm)
• Fully wheelchair accessible facility
• TTY service available at 807-223-8295 for hearing or speech impairments
• Dryden Area Family Health Team co-located on site (mental health, chronic disease management, and more)

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Bring your valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card — most emergency services are covered. If you do not have OHIP, bring applicable medical insurance documentation.
• For mental health crises, an on-site Crisis Response team provides immediate support; the Mental Health and Addictions Services Department also offers counselling with some evening appointment availability.
• If you are transferred to a larger centre such as Thunder Bay or Winnipeg, ask ER staff about the ORNGE transport process and what to expect so a family member can make arrangements.
• Parking is only $2 with no time limit, so family members accompanying patients can stay as long as needed without worrying about fees.
• The Dryden Area Family Health Team is located on the same property and offers services including chronic pain management, diabetes management, and COPD support — useful for non-emergency follow-up care.

What to Bring

• Valid OHIP card or applicable provincial/territorial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
• List of current medications, including dosages and frequency
• List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
• Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or referral letters
• Health card or insurance information for any accompanying dependents
• Phone charger or portable battery — wait times can vary
• Comfortable clothing and a light layer, as ER waiting areas can be cool

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 Ontario health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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