James Bay General Hospital - Attawapiskat

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a small 15-bed rural hospital, weekday daytime hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5:30pm) align with full administrative and clinic staffing, which may support faster access to non-emergency services. For true emergencies, the department is staffed and available at all times.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available. General guidance applies: evening and overnight hours for non-urgent concerns may result in longer waits as specialist and administrative support is reduced outside standard hours. Whenever possible, schedule non-urgent visits during weekday daytime hours.

About James Bay General Hospital - Attawapiskat

Attawapiskat Hospital, operated by the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), is a 15-bed community hospital serving Attawapiskat First Nation and surrounding James Bay coastal communities with around-the-clock emergency and urgent care. The emergency department is staffed by registered nurses and consulting physicians and provides primary care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and access to specialist care through the Ontario Telemedicine Network. Patients with complex or life-threatening conditions beyond the hospital's capacity are transferred to Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory, Timmins and District Hospital, or Kingston General Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency and urgent care, Primary and acute care, Diagnostic imaging (emergency, inpatient, and outpatient), Laboratory services (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm; referral required), Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) specialist consultations, Maternity care (normal and complicated pregnancies), Diabetes clinic, Hypertension clinic, Prenatal clinic, Well Women clinic, Community mental health services, Prescription of medication, Mobility device access (e.g., crutches), Respite services, On-site dental clinic, Nurse practitioner on site, Monthly family medicine physician clinics, OHIP-covered services, Services in English and Cree.

Amenities

• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Services offered in English and Cree
• On-site dental clinic (705-997-2149)
• Ontario Telemedicine Network videoconferencing equipment
• First Nation Health Clinic located across the street

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• For life-threatening emergencies or ambulance service, call 705-997-1111 directly — do not rely solely on the main hospital line in a crisis.
• Specialist care is available remotely through the Ontario Telemedicine Network, so ask about OTN consultations if you require specialist assessment without travelling.
• If your condition requires advanced care, be prepared for a possible transfer to Weeneebayko General Hospital (Moose Factory), Timmins and District Hospital, or Kingston General Hospital — plan accordingly if flying is required.
• Laboratory services require a medical referral and are available Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm only; plan non-urgent lab work during weekday hours.
• A First Nation Health Clinic is located directly across the street from the hospital and may be able to assist with primary care needs, potentially reducing ER wait times for non-emergency concerns.
• If travelling to the community specifically for care, confirm flight availability in advance — Attawapiskat is fly-in only year-round, with a seasonal ice road as an additional option in winter.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Emergency contact information
• Personal comfort items (book, charger, snacks) as amenities are limited
• Warm clothing, especially in winter given the remote northern climate
• Cash or debit card for any non-OHIP-covered services or travel expenses

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.